We all know at least one cute couple who have been together for what seems like eternity, right? Have you ever wondered how they do it? Don’t they get bored? Do they have super-human loyalty? If only you could get inside their heads, right? Well you don’t have to because we already did. Turns out, there are some (pretty important) things that long term couples know that you don’t.
1. Opposites don’t necessarily attract
The old adage may be true for external factors like looks, hobbies, and tastes – but the truth is to find love and hold on to it, somewhere you both have to be on the same page. Your core value system should match.
2. Fights are always part of the deal
Couples who have been together for a long time may appear as though they agree on every little thing, but that’s not true. They do fight just like anyone else. Only thing is that they have mastered the art of moving on and not holding grudges.
3. It’s advisable to not wash dirty linen in public
Yes, arguments happen – but those aren’t for public consumption. They know how to keep things to themselves and don’t go spilling out each other’s secrets and wrong doings to the world.
Also read: “Compromise” In A Relationship – Good, Bad Or Unavoidable?
4. Don’t go for perfect, go for real
Perfect is a highly debatable term. What may have seemed like the perfect circumstance or arrangement at the start of the relationship may seem less than perfect later on. Things change and life happens. As long as each partner always puts the most genuine part of themselves into the relationship, it’s always going to work out. Remember to always keep it real.
5. There will be tough times
Don’t even for a second think that the journey will be without road bumps. There will be temptation and there will be weak moments. But your strength as a couple lies in how well you can ride the storm.
6. Jealousy happens
Every once in awhile, the green eyed monster rears its ugly head – this is true for every relationship. But long term couples know how to deal with it, and not feed into negativity.
7. Making time is non-negotiable
It’s a myth that relationships need time and effort only at the beginning. Most people get it wrong when they start taking each other for granted. Make time for your partner. Listen to their thoughts. Be present in their life, truly present.
8. The romance is important
No one should be in a relationship just for the sake of it. This is why romance is super important. Even when the years pass by it’s important to still woo each other. It’s important to go on dates; to hug, to kiss, to cuddle. Without romance, relationships have no flavour. Long term couples know how to keep the spark alive, and that’s one of the most important things to learn from them.
9. It’s not about losing yourself, it’s about finding love
There is a common misconception that long term couples just turn into versions of each other. But what people don’t see is they are actually two perfect individuals who accept each other completely – flaws, quirks, et al. The point of love is not, to lose your individuality, it is to find someone who loves you for exactly who you are.
Also read: 7 Signs You And Your Boyfriend Are Basically A Married Couple!
10. Embrace change
Long term couples meet in a certain phase of life and grow together. But that’s the whole point – life happens. Jobs change, friends change, cities change. It takes two supremely strong individuals to basically say “No way universe; you can’t break us up.” And with a lot of effort, long term couples turn love into what seems like an effortlessly beautiful journey.
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