How to Make a Wonderful Relationship Last a Lifetime

A friend of mine who has never been married asked me an important question – why do so many marriages end in divorce? There are a plethora of possible reasons for the relationships that end. It really depends on individual circumstances as to what has happened. Since I am the eternal optimist, I choose to focus on what can help a healthy, wonderful relationship last. Are relationships easy? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. There are always going to be bumps in the road but I believe if you keep the following goals in mind it can help make a relationship last.  

Relationship Goals to Focus on (not in any particular order):

• Honesty – be honest but learn that there are some times and situations to keep your mouth shut. I had to laugh when my friends used the example of “how do I look in this?”
• Communication – Talk … sharing … communicating your needs. Work hard to be interested in what your spouse is interested in and act interested in what your partner  is telling you. It is an awful feeling to speak to someone and you can tell they are not “listening” to you at all.
• Respect each other
• Friendship – be sure to do activities together. Work to find common interests.
• Romance – keep Romance in the relationship – try to always go on “dates”
• Stay Playful and be Passionate – in life and in the bedroom
• Keep Having Fun together
• Kindness and Consideration
• Don’t take anything for granted. SAY a heartfelt THANK YOU – this is important- show your appreciation.
• Laugh. Laugh a lot. and Laugh some more.
• Always remember what brought you together in the first place
• Admit to yourself you are not perfect and be open to self improvement and constructive criticism
• “Happy Wife … Happy Life”
• Be sure to give each other needed Space – either literally or figuratively
• When in doubt, compliment
• Most things that may annoy you really are not that important (you may have had a bad day) so don’t start sentences to your partner with YOU … take a breath and you just may want to try keeping your mouth shut

{If you need help with your Happiness level, so you can better participate in your relationship, join is in our Happiness Challenge here} Please note that I came up with my list and then sat down with dear friends who have been married over 40 years to get their take on what I had written. They agreed with all, embellished some of the goals I had written, and added some comments. All in all, I think it’s a pretty comprehensive list. Would love to hear what YOU think. Come on over to our facebook group and share your opinions ~ Click here to join us!