9 Things You Should Never Stop Doing in a Long-Term Relationship
When something is timeless, it never gets old, fades away, or goes out of style. This can go for beauty trends, recipes, cars, and many other things in life, including relationships. Every couple will have their highs and lows. They’ll fight over who lost the TV remote, who forgot to buy tissues from the store, and more serious matters like why he doesn’t buy flowers anymore on your anniversary or why she says she’s okay when she really isn’t. Sometimes relationships start hot and heavy; everything is just peachy. Later on down the line, you start to notice a difference. He doesn’t hold the door open as often for you. You don’t hold hands or cuddle on the couch as much. You’ve stopped flirting. Things change - this is inevitable. But when it comes to relationships, what should be timeless?
Being Open
It’s no myth that communication is key. When your significant other gets home from work or class, don’t ignore them or simply say "hello," make sure you greet them with a kiss or a hug and ask about their day. Tell them about yours. Everyone will have those days where they want to keep to themselves or aren’t feeling too great, but make an effort to catch up with your SO after spending time apart. If you want some time to yourself or don’t want to talk more than that, let your partner know. They’ll appreciate it!
Above all, always be open with your feelings. If you don’t like something your partner is doing, say it. If you want something, tell them! You can’t read each other’s minds. Take some of the worry, stress, and unhappiness away from your relationship by simply talking to each other about what’s on your mind.
Being Yourself
No one is the same person they were five or ten years ago. There’s nothing wrong with a little change as long as you’re always being true to who you are deep down. You don’t have the stay the exact same person you were when you fell in love with each other, but, especially in a long term relationship, there’s something special about having interests, values, or even activities that you can always come back to as a couple.
Chivalry
Everyone should be courteous, but I’m mainly talking about the men here. Holding doors open for your significant other, letting her order first at a restaurant, and helping her out of the car are just a few examples of being chivalrous.
The bottom line? Be a gentleman. No man is perfect - no one is perfect! Everyone screws up sometimes. The most important thing is to just be kind and courteous to each other.
Joking Around
Everything can’t be serious all the time. Joking around and flirting with each other is a sure way to keep things playful and fun. Just because you've been with someone for a long time doesn’t mean all of the fun has to go out the window!
Date Night
Speaking of fun, be sure you’re taking time each week to be alone together. Make the effort to plan a nice romantic evening or an exciting adventure for just the two of you. Spending this quality time together every week will help keep the spark and romance in your relationship alive.
Between work, school, family, and all of life’s craziness, this is also a great way to just let go and relax!
Related: 13 Acts of Chivalry That Will Never Go Out of Style |
Complimenting Each Other
In a relationship, you should never stop complimenting each other. Letting your significant other know how into them you are, even after several years, will not only make them feel good about themselves but will reassure them that your attraction hasn’t faded. Take some time every day to tell your partner how much you love and appreciate them.
Supporting Each Other
There will be many occasions when your partner will need your help and support, and vice versa. Make sure you’re always available to give them the support they need. Be each other's backbone and help build each other up. Help make each other a better person. This will form a bond that will last.
Splitting Chores
If you’re living together or are even married, splitting the chores can really help strengthen a relationship and take stress off of each other. If one person always handles the dishes, trash, sweeping, vacuuming, walking the dog, laundry, and every other chore, they’re bound to grow resentful toward the other person. Be sure to help each other out by sharing the load.
Saying “I Love You”
Saying I love you is extremely important in a long term relationship. I’ve been around too many couples who don’t show affection in any way, shape or form. Your significant other needs to know you love them! You may think they know you do, but reminding them can never hurt.
Above all, the most important thing in any relationship is just to love and care about each other. Be kind, go out of your way for each other, have fun together, say “I love you,” and the spark won’t go out.
Up next: 11 Little Ways to Show Your Significant Other You Love Them |