Long-Term Relationships

Long-term relationships and marriages can sometimes be taken too much for granted. The initial spark and excitement fades with time and partners can be left wondering if they still belong together. We all need to work on keeping our relationships together.

Tips for Lasting Relationships

Time for each other : Partners need to value the time they spend together and create more opportunities to be alone. This is especially true when they have children and jobs which keep them busy.

Appreciation : Your partner did not have to stick by you for all this time, but he/ she did. Show appreciation for being accepted as imperfect as you are. This is one investment that you'll get back. You sow appreciation to reap appreciation.

Loving and Saying it : Never get tired of saying "I love you" and demonstrating it. People don't just know they are loved, they need to be assured. If your partner loves flowers, get flowers once in a while.

Problems : Deal with problems together as soon as they surface. Its not constructive to keep the problems to oneself and unpacking them all when there is a serious conflict.

Criticism : Carefully give criticism in a manner that is reassuring of love.

Accept Correction : When your partner gives you positive criticism, don't be defensive and angry over it. Listen and think about it before you give your opinion. Accepting correction is a sign of wisdom and maturity.

Encouraging : Contribute to each other's lives by giving each other ideas and showing interest in each other's careers. Be generous on your support and opinions whilst you are being honest.

Stay ONLY if it Works : Only stay in a relationship that works. Never stay in a relationship where you are abused and not respected. A relationship is a partnership with partners who treat each other equally and with love and respect.

Nombini Kutta-Mathye is an author and creator of http://www.healthfun-ps.com/ a website which is an inspiration for everyone to live the best life possible. Visit healthfun-ps.com for more articles on Health, Wealth, Family, Career, Wellness and Spirituality.