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When we enter marriage, we always hope for the best and we want nothing more than for the relationship to prosper and to last a lifetime. However, with the alarming increased rates of divorce nowadays, it can be quite difficult to figure out just what will make or break a marriage. How can we make forever be a reality? Are there any specific components to what will help a marriage last? We talked with several couples who have been married for 35-60 years and asked them to share about the vital elements necessary for a long-lasting marriage. Here are eleven top secrets to a long-lasting relationship:
1. Commitment
Commitment means you choose to stay together through the bad. There will be moments when you want to give up or when you feel like walking away, but when you get through these difficult times together – things will get better, that's just the way it works.
2. Trust
Trust does not only apply to infidelity, but in your faith that your partner will always do their best and have your best interest at heart with everything they do.
3. Do not leave room for secret
When you begin to keep things from your partner, it will fester into something larger each time. If there is something that needs to be said, say it openly and honestly to each other.
4. Compliment each other often
Do not take your partner for granted, just because you have been together for a while does not mean it's no longer important to 'big each other up'. Be his/her number 1 fan, that's your job.
5. Accept one another completely
Do not waste your time trying to change the other person to become someone else you prefer. You don't have to always like them but you have to accept them for who they are, just as they are.
6. Be each other's best friends
When all things fade away, friendship is what will remain. Without this right now, it will be a lot harder for the both of you to get through the hurdles.
7. Take care of you first
Don't forget to take regular 'me-time' in your marriage. When you are good at loving yourself, you will be even greater at loving your spouse.
8. Communication
Have regular open conversations about anything and everything. Do not stop getting to know one another as we are always growing and changing with time. So, always keep each other on the loop!
9. Respect one another
A lot of people take this for granted. Remain respectful of one another especially during big arguments otherwise intimacy will be spoilt for sure.
10. Keep the relationship fresh
Don't spend every waking moment with each other. Have spontaneous little events to break monotony, surprise each other from time to time.
11. Be a good forgiver
You both must be able to be really good at forgiving one another because the both of you will make mistakes (a lot of them) - that's just a part of being human. Forgive well and you'll have yourself a prosperous marriage.
