Nobody joins a romantic relationship with the expectation that it will end in heartbreak and sorrow, but all too frequently, that is exactly what occurs. The number of couples living together without being married is steadily increasing, and a large percentage of marriages fail. What can you do, then, to ensure that your connection endures? What can you do to lay the groundwork for enduring love?

There isn’t a single response to that query because every couple is different and every relationship faces a different set of difficulties. There are, nevertheless, some general pointers that can direct you. Just a few of the most significant ones are included below.

Choose the right type of relationship

To start, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re in the right type of relationship to begin with. Not all relationships are meant to last, and if you’re simply not compatible with your partner, then it’s unlikely that anything you do will change that.

Of course, compatibility is not always easy to judge at the outset of a relationship. It’s often only after spending time together that you really get to know someone and start seeing their flaws. However, there are certain things you can look for that may indicate whether or not a relationship has lasting potential.

Do you share similar values? Do you have compatible lifestyles? Are you on the same page when it comes to important issues like children and finances? Do you even want the same type of relationship? If you’re with someone whose only other relationships were in the sugar dating realm and you yourself want a long-term marriage, there might be an incompatibility there.

It’s not always easy to judge compatibility, but it’s important to at least ask yourself these questions before getting too emotionally invested in a relationship.

Communicate openly and honestly

One of the most important things you can do in any relationship is to communicate openly and honestly with your partner. This means being able to share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or retribution.

It also means being able to compromise and respect each other’s point of view, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page from the start because communication issues are often the root of relationship issues.

Some ways to communicate well include:

Listening to each other without interruption

Asking open-ended questions to encourage discussion

Expressing yourself in a clear and concise manner

Avoiding assumptions and mind reading

Being respectful even when you disagree

Giving your partner the benefit of the doubt

Making an effort to understand their perspective

If you can master communication early on, it will stand you in good stead for dealing with any problems that arise further down the line.

Resolve conflict constructively

It’s inevitable that all couples will argue from time to time, but it’s how you handle those disagreements that really counts. If you’re able to resolve conflict constructively, it can actually bring you closer together as a couple. On the other hand, if you’re constantly arguing and bickering, it will only serve to drive you apart.

Some tips for resolving conflict constructively include:

Staying calm and level-headed, even when you’re feeling emotional

Focusing on the issue at hand, rather than attacking each other personally

Listening to each other’s point of view

Trying to see things from your partner’s perspective

Compromising and finding a solution that works for both of you

Avoiding ultimatums and threats

Taking a break if things are getting too heated

Communicating openly and honestly about your feelings

If you can learn to resolve conflict in a healthy way, it will make dealing with any future problems much easier.

Show your appreciation

Simply expressing your appreciation for your partner is one of the nicest things you can do in a relationship. Even modest actions of kindness and affection can make a significant difference; this doesn’t have to be a spectacular gesture.

Some ways to show your appreciation include:

Saying “thank you” for things they do for you, both big and small

Complimenting them on their achievements, no matter how small

Doing something nice for them just because

Surprising them with a gift or taking them on a special date

Showing physical affection like hugging, kissing, and cuddling

Simply telling them how much you love and appreciate them

Making an effort to spend quality time together without distractions

If you can show your partner how much you care, it will go a long way towards maintaining a strong and lasting relationship.

Final thoughts

A committed love relationship requires time, patience, and effort to develop. It will be worthwhile, though, if you’re with the right person. You’ll be well on your way to a happy and healthy relationship if you can learn to express your gratitude for one another, communicate honestly, and settle disputes in a calm, constructive manner.