How to Make a Relationship Last

Looking to forge a loving, lifelong bond? With a few tips, you can make your relationship last a lifetime.

You Will Need

• Teamwork
• Supportive attitude
• Self-knowledge
• Willingness to open up
• New activities
• Sex
• Patience
• Constructive criticism (optional)

Step 1: Work together

Make your partner your teammate. Genuinely cheer their successes, and pick up the slack and offer support when they face difficult personal issues. Remember: few teams that give in to personal rivalries ever go all the way.

Step 2: Share your needs

Identify the people, activities, and attitudes that matter to you — psychologists have found that people who are true to themselves are better at building intimate relationships.

Let your partner know if your priorities change and give them a chance to adjust their behavior.

Step 3: Open up

If something your partner does or says bothers you, tell them — research shows that couples that express their anger may live longer than those who bottle up their emotions. Don’t be petty, though — pick your battles wisely to avoid burying your partner in criticism.

If you criticize, do it in a constructive way — destructive criticism has been shown to cause anger and tension.

Step 4: Mix it up

Keep things interesting — studies have revealed that boredom is a relationship-killer. Find a shared passion with new activities to explore together and bond over.

Step 5: Get it on

Spice up your sex life, too. Try new positions, find unexpected moments, or delve into fantasy — whatever helps you fan the flames of passion.

Step 6: Be patient

Prepare to work at your relationship — a mutual understanding develops gradually. The more time you and your partner devote to making your relationship strong, the longer it will last.

In 2009, the record for the longest continuous marriage was set at 85 years.