Who isn’t inspired by those couples who’ve been together for decades and still hold hands like teenagers?
While there’s no perfect recipe for a lasting marriage, there are certain ingredients that seem to be present in the happiest partnerships. And no, it’s not all grand gestures or fairytale romance; it’s often the little things that create a strong foundation for a lifetime of love. Here are some of the things couples who’ve weathered the storms and come out stronger on the other side can thank for their success.
1. Mutual respect is the bedrock of their relationship.
They treat each other with kindness, consideration, and appreciation, even during disagreements. They value each other’s opinions and perspectives, even when they differ. This mutual respect creates a safe and supportive environment where both partners feel heard and valued.
2. They prioritise open and honest communication.
They talk about everything, from the mundane to the deeply personal. They express their needs, feelings, and concerns openly and honestly, without fear of judgment or ridicule. This open communication creates understanding, builds trust, and prevents resentment from festering.
3. They make time for each other, even when life gets busy.
They understand that a strong relationship requires effort and dedication. They carve out time for date nights, shared hobbies, and simple moments of connection, even when their schedules are packed. This helps them maintain intimacy and keep the spark alive.
4. They support each other’s dreams and aspirations.
They’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders, encouraging and supporting one another’s goals and ambitions. They celebrate each other’s successes and offer a shoulder to lean on during setbacks. This mutual support creates a sense of partnership and helps them both thrive.
5. They embrace their individuality and encourage personal growth.
They understand that a healthy relationship involves two individuals who are constantly growing and evolving. They encourage each other to pursue their passions, explore new interests, and become the best versions of themselves. This creates a sense of mutual respect and admiration.
6. They have a shared sense of humour and can laugh together.
Laughter is the glue that holds many long-lasting marriages together. They find joy in each other’s company, share inside jokes, and can laugh at themselves and the world around them. This playfulness helps them deal with challenges and keeps their relationship fun and playful.
7. They practice forgiveness and don’t hold grudges.
They understand that no one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. They’re quick to forgive each other’s shortcomings and move on from disagreements. This prevents resentment from building up and allows them to focus on the positive aspects of their relationship.
8. They express their love and appreciation regularly.
They don’t take each other for granted. They make an effort to express their love and appreciation through words, actions, and gestures. This could be as simple as a heartfelt “thank you” or a surprise hug, or as grand as a romantic getaway or a thoughtful gift. These expressions of love strengthen their bond and remind them of the special connection they share.
9. They prioritise intimacy and physical affection.
Physical touch is a powerful way to connect with your partner and express your love. They make time for cuddles, kisses, and other forms of physical affection, even when they’re busy or stressed. This physical intimacy helps them maintain a strong emotional connection and keeps the spark alive in their relationship.
10. They share common values and goals for the future.
They have a shared vision for their future, whether it’s raising a family, travelling the world, or building a successful business together. This shared sense of purpose gives them something to work towards and creates a sense of unity and shared goals.
11. They’re willing to compromise and find solutions that work for both of them.
They understand that no two people are exactly alike, and that compromise is essential in any relationship. They’re willing to listen to each other’s perspectives, find common ground, and make decisions that benefit both partners. This flexibility and willingness to compromise helps them navigate challenges and maintain a sense of harmony in their relationship.
12. They’re committed to personal growth and self-improvement.
They understand that personal growth is essential for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. They always look for opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve as people. This could involve reading self-help books, attending workshops, or attending therapy. This commitment to personal growth helps them become better partners and contributes to the overall health and happiness of their relationship.
13. They make an effort to keep the romance alive.
They understand that the initial spark of romance can fade over time, but they’re committed to keeping the flame alive. They plan surprise date nights, write love letters, or simply make an effort to be present and attentive to each other. These small gestures of love and affection help them maintain a sense of excitement and passion in their relationship.
14. They have a strong support system outside of their relationship.
They understand the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with friends, family, and other loved ones. They don’t rely solely on each other for emotional support and social connection. This allows them to maintain their individuality and bring fresh perspectives and experiences into their relationship.
15. They’re willing to go to couples therapy when needed.
They recognise that even the strongest relationships can face challenges. They’re not afraid to talk to a therapist or counsellor if they’re struggling to deal with a difficult issue or communicate effectively. This willingness to ask for help shows a commitment to their relationship and a desire to work through any obstacles together.
16. They accept each other’s flaws and imperfections.
Source: Unsplash They understand that no one is perfect, and they embrace each other’s quirks, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. They focus on each other’s strengths and appreciate the unique qualities that make their partner special. This acceptance creates a safe and loving environment where both partners feel comfortable being themselves.
17. They make an effort to learn each other’s love languages.
Source: Unsplash They understand that everyone expresses and receives love differently. They take the time to learn each other’s love languages and make an effort to show their love in ways that their partner will appreciate. This helps them feel loved, valued, and understood.
18. They choose each other every day.
Source: Unsplash Ultimately, the marriages that last the longest are the ones where both partners choose each other every day. They reaffirm their commitment to each other, even when things get tough. They prioritise their relationship and make an effort to nurture it, even when life throws them curveballs. This unwavering commitment is the foundation of a lasting and fulfilling marriage.
