how to make a relationship last?

Philippines
April 21, 2011 8:43pm CST
this is probably one of the most frequented topics that me and my friends discuss - relationships.. we hear about this "perfect couples".. they seem to always have a smooth relationship.. they seem to have no "drama".. but when you ask them, do you always have that kind of smooth sailing relationship? they will always say - no, and that they would have arguments, etc.. so, how do they seem to have a stable relationship? how can a couple make a relationship last?.. is there really a secret formula for that?.. :)
2 people like this
26 responses
@Angelgirl16 (2171)
• United States
22 Apr 11
I am not sure there is such a thing as a 'perfect couple,' but I sure hope that I am wrong. I would be wonderful to think that there are two people who are matched perfectly for each other; they don't argue, they read each other's thoughts, they enjoy the exact same things,etc. Where is the fire, the excitement, or contrast? I think variety is the spice of life. I don't think that being exactly like your partner will guarantee a lasting relationship; somebody is going to get bored and go out and find some excitement. I think being yourself and letting your partner be him or herself, with you accepting their ways, it the better bet that the relationship will be healthy.
• United States
23 Apr 11
Okay, as long as two have a lot in common but remain true to be themselves then the relationship will be healthy and may survive.
• Philippines
24 Apr 11
yes, how their relationship will go will still be all up to them.. :)
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
yes, that is true. if two persons are too the same, in the long run they will lose the excitement and eventually get bored to each other.. it is also true that you should be comfortable and can be yourself if you are around your partner.. :)
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
22 Apr 11
Once you are in a relationship, there are three basic steps to making it last. 1) Wake up in the relationship 2) Go to sleep in the relationship 3) Don't do anything to screw it up in between!
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
23 Apr 11
Yup, if both aren't willing to do the three steps every day, the relationship won't last.
• Philippines
24 Apr 11
everyday one learns more about his/her partner and learn to love their partner even more.. :)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
after reading your comment, i realized that those three basic steps may seem simple but it actually takes a lot of effort from both parties.. :)
@Bryanx54 (644)
23 Apr 11
Loyalty and trust, it what keeps a relationship healthy you also need to be dedicated to your partner. Being is a relationship thats lasted almost 3 years :).
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
trust is probably one of the hardest things to handle now a days.. it may take you years to build but only seconds to destroy.. that is why we should think of our partner before we do something stupid.. LOL
@p3ks626 (6538)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
Perfect relationships are not achieved by perfect couples. I dont believe couples already started to be perfect, they worked out for it. They worked out to make their relationship last long. It takes times and effort so couples should be patient enough to deal with it.
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
I agree. No couple is perfect is each other. They can only be if they strive to understand and trust each other.
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
both of should really be committed on making their relationship work.. :)
@katrinapaz (2436)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
I dont think there is a secret formula in making a relationship last. I think striving to understand the other person instead of only understanding yourself most of the time. Also by putting God in your relationship and also having something in common such as work or a recreational activity.
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
He can also save us away from temptations :)
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
if we let God guide us, then we can never go wrong.. :)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
having God in the center of the relationship can indeed work the wonders! :)
@albert911 (168)
• Thailand
24 Apr 11
Having a single answer to that question may indeed make you wealthier than Bill Gates! Everybody keeps looking for it, trying, experimenting - but what it may ultimately come down to is failiure and disappointment. A determination, a neverending wish and comittment to make things work out may be one of the keys. One of many........
• Philippines
24 Apr 11
there are indeed a lot of factors that constitute a stable relationship.. what's important is both of them want to work things out.. :)
• United States
22 Apr 11
There is no secret formula because no two people are alike and no two relationships are alike. Different things work for different people. The only thing I think is universal is that the pillars of a healthy relationship are compatibility, companionship and compromise.
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
that's true! and they should be committed to make their relationship work..
• United States
22 Apr 11
There is no secret , it take work. Both partners Have to Want to stay together and Have to be willing to work at it. It helps if they Like each other. I mean they are friends along with being lovers. Buy smooth and easy it is not.
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
yes, i agree with you.. it really helps if you are also friends with your partner.. also, it should really be the two of you working to keep the relationship together and not just the other person.. :)
1 person likes this
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
There's really no explanation on how to make a relationship last. For me, a relationship without "drama" at all is so boring. Everyone has to experience drama even once in a while. A relationship without drama doesn't mean it's a smooth sailing relationship or a perfect relationship. If they're always good at each other and they always do and share and give what each other wants, time will come and one of them will get bored. That's just how I think. Of course trust, honesty, and love are really important factors. But aside from that, one of the best things to do is to be happy in the relationship. Like they say, a happy girlfriend makes a happy boyfriend. Or a happy boyfriend makes a happy girlfriend.
• Philippines
24 Apr 11
that was a good line "a happy gf makes a happy bf (vive-versa)".. :)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
No, there is no secret formula to making a relationship work. If there is, then many couples out there would have used it. But that is also what makes being in a relationship exciting, challenging, and rewarding at the same time. But for us, we have been able to last nearly 5 years together now, and the key is to live it one day at a time. We try to treasure every day that we spend, cherish it, and learn to enjoy it. Some couples tend to neglect the time they spend with each other and it kills the romance in the relationship. The more you learn to appreciate your partner, the more you can give value to your relationship and work hard to making sure that it will work.
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
thank you, you've got good points there.. every relationship undergoes their own ups and downs and up to them to work things out.. learning to appreciate your partner should not also be missed.. sometimes we are to busy dealing with other things that we tend to forget the value of our partner.. and, BTW, congratulations on those 5 years... more happy years together to come.. :D
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
23 Apr 11
A relationhip take care, trut, love and friendhip. All qualitie are needed to make a relationhip go on and remain omething good in our life.
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
yes, that is true.. both of them should be able to nurture their relationship.. :D
22 Apr 11
well i was with my ex for 12 and a half years and you could say i hated him after about 6 or 7 years and have no idea why i stayed with him for so long. i have 2 kids with him being the father unfortunatly and i really, really, really hate him and hate having to be polite to him infront of the kids. i have no idea what i smooth relationship is like but would love to find out.
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
i guess the good thing there is you were still able to find your way out.. it is good that you are being civil with him whenever your infront of your kids.. it would be hard on them knowing that their parents are separated but they will feel better if they will see that you two are okay with each other.. good luck in finding your true love!.. :) i hope someday it will do come.. :)
@Judewang (93)
• Malaysia
22 Apr 11
Quarrel as often as need be but forgive each other even more - 70x7 times says the Lord. Why quarrel as often - because in doing so, you get to know each other better. And forgive? Well... it's a must if you want your relationship to last.
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
i guess, humility can also be a good factor here.. one should not let pride take over.. also, is our ability to forgive.. :)
• Morocco
22 Apr 11
theres no perfect relationship,every relationship will encounter trials.you just have to be strong.patience,understanding,and honesty is the key to make the relationship last..
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
sometimes, those trying times will even make the relationship stronger.. those trials will help define the kind of relationship that you and your partner has.. :)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
Well I am sorry that I wont be able to give you a positive impression on this subject cause I am having a problem with my love life right now. I dont know, I guess it is all up to fate.Cause a lot of people are really with their feelings and yet they end up broken hearted. Sometimes feelings are not reciprocated and sometimes you just can't love someone who is pursuing you with all sincerity. The right formula, I really dont know anymore.I guess its all in the hands of fate and destiny.
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
i'm sorry to hear that.. i guess there will come a time in the relationship wherein both of you are already confused and need some space.. i hope you will be able have the right decision either to still continue or end your relationship and atleast save the respect that you have for each other.. :)
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
For me, relationship between couples is a very sensitive issue.I guess all husbands and wives want's their relationship to last longer like what they have promised during their marriage.Trust, respect and understanding each others needs are some factors for a relationships to last long.
• Philippines
23 Apr 11
sometimes, a relationship will be tested and it's up to the couple how they will handle those situations.. :)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
Impress him. Surprise him. Cheat not. Hit not. In simpler terms these are the most important pieces of advice on keeping a relationship. But sometimes, no matter how strictly you follow these commandments, relationships still die. Why? because we tend to overlook simpler but not any less significant things we have to remember when we are the other half of the couple. Here are some simple ways to make a relationship last; a) when you make mistakes say sorry, b)when your partner make mistakes say sorry - point is, it wouldn't hurt to get your share of the blame sometimes. After all your partners. c)Don't self pity d)Always say I love you e) Don't get attached f) Manage the drama g)Spend nights together h)Know the little things about your partner i)Don't overpower your partner j) Work it out - Every couple has their ups and downs. And when you encounter the down side of it, you don't give up just like that. You talk. You listen. You weigh things over. You work it out. Keeping a relationship is not that easy. It's challenging, at the same time rewarding and fulfilling. Why? Because you don't do it alone. The good thing about being in a relationship is that there is someone you can work with, and the best part is, it's that someone you love. stay inlove :)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
those were indeed good things.. sometimes our pride gets the better of our relationship.. as you've said, it wouldn't hurt to get the share of the blame.. thank you! :)
• India
22 Apr 11
Every relationship goes through a difficult period, it does not you have to give up your relationship. A good relationship needs a little understanding, little comprimise, both need to realise things and be sorry for it.
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
that is so true! they may fight or argue but at the end of the day what's important is the love that they have for each other and their commitment to work their relationship out.. :)
• Australia
22 Apr 11
Hi there, Welcome to MyLot! From my personal experience, i would say trust is the base of a relationship. You need to understand each other's needs and adjust yourself accordingly. Arguments are significant part of a relationship. I would not consider a relationship to be perfect if there is no argument. You need to have arguments in order to understand each other better. By argument, I don't mean physical fights and rude quarrellings. It is rather some sort of discussion when each individual's ideas vary. I don't think there is any secret formula to make the relationship last longer but you need to understand each other's needs and change yourself accordingly!
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
trust is indeed vital to every relationship.. also, i liked what you said that arguments should not mean or lead to physical fights and rude quarrellings.. as we have a partner of our own, one will always make the necessary adjustments.. :)
• China
22 Apr 11
Be ready to pay sincerely,trust on each other,remember relationship can not last long either of you lose confidence in another so give both private space and support the opposite side from your bottom of heart.of course be honest and loyal to each other,think more of the opposite....besides i think life without fresh things must can be boring and breed contraditions,so make some emotional appeal and occasionally give surprise...make change for him&her,let another feel your love...nice day,my friend
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
thank you very much.. you have made good points there.. :)