Interpersonal relationships are one of the most important things we need to thrive. When you find a partner with whom you click, you feel comfortable to truly find and be yourself. You will want that relationship to last as you and your partner grow together. You may ask how to make a relationship last. The keys are communication, growth, and support.
Communicate Your Needs
When you really “click” with someone, it feels like they can read your every thought. However, no matter how nice that may seem, no person is perfect. Your partner may be very in tune with you and still miss how you are feeling. Learn to communicate what you need to help your connection grow stronger.
The easiest way to communicate what you need is to have an honest conversation with your partner. Explain how much you love them. Then kindly and gently ask for what you need that you are not receiving. Let your partner ask questions. Though you may have been thinking about how you wish your partner would take out the trash for days, they have not had this time to ruminate.
This communication, however, need not always be through asking your partner to give more. Speak with your partner about when they are doing an excellent job of making you feel loved. It can be as simple as “I love when you let me talk about what bothered me at work. I love that you care about what is happening in my life.”
The more you communicate with your partner, the more natural these conversations will become. You and your partner will be ready and able to hear each other and work through any trials your relationship may face.
Listen
The other side of the crucial aspect of communication is listening. You want to create a space where your partner is safe to tell you about the things they need. That way, when you two are not in perfect sync, you will be able to identify what changes to make.
When your partner comes to you with a problem, make sure you truly listen to the problem they are having before you take offense to anything they say. Try to rephrase what they are saying and repeat it back to make sure they approve of your understanding. This will make sure you are truly understanding your partner when you try to solve problems together.
Listening also includes paying attention to the things that make your partner happy! Take note of their favorite shows, foods, and books. Even if those are not your favorite things, knowing what makes your partner happy will help strengthen your relationship. Strong relationships last the test of time.
Learn New Hobbies Together
Are you the same person that you were five years ago? Likely you are not. Your partner probably is not either. Changing over time is natural and important. As you grow and change, you will want to keep re-connecting with your partner. A great way to do this is to try new hobbies together.
Trying new things together is a great way to grow as a couple. You will see your partner learning something they did not know before. You can help each other if one of you gets stuck. You will also have fun learning to do something that you did not know before.
Support Each Other
Your partner needs to know that you support them. This does not mean indulging them in unhealthy behavior. Instead, it means encouraging them and cheering for them. Congratulate them when they get a promotion. Cheer them up when they are struggling to achieve their goals.
As your lovingly support your partner, they will know how much you care about them. Your relationship will grow stronger, because if one partner is struggling the other is there to help the couple get through.
If you want a relationship that will last the test of time, you need to work to be the partner you want to have. You need to listen. You need to communicate your needs. You should have fun and grow with your partner. As you and your partner pursue these goals together, your relationship will grow stronger and will last the test of time.