10 Habits of Couples in Strong and Healthy Relationships

We’ve all swooned at the adorable stories of couples who spend their whole lives together, and are just as much in love with each other in old age as they were right at beginning. But what is their secret? How do they manage to maintain, and strengthen, their love through the years?

Read on to discover 10 habits of long-lasting couples for a lasting relationship below:

1. Successful couples enjoy each other’s company

It’s just that simple. They like to be together, talk together, do things together.

2. Successful couples fight skillfully

Happy couples also fight But the fights do not have to be deal breakers; they just have to be negotiated.

3. Successful couples seek and offer forgiveness

They may not forgive and forget, but they do forgive and let it go. When they have done something wrong or hurtful, they offer an apology. When they are the wronged party, they accept the gift of an apology. Successful couples travel the pathway toward forgiving.

4. Successful couples are in for the long haul

There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or you’re out. There’s no such thing as life in between. Successful couples don’t just make promises to each other; they commit.

5. Successful couples are positive about each other

Happy couples have relationships characterized by respect, affection and empathy, and they pay close attention to what’s happening in each other’s lives. Happy and stable couples made five positive remarks for every one negative remark when they were discussing conflict.

6. Successful couples learn and grow together

Love is about growing together as a couple, learning about each other and not giving up. Growing together is necessary for a lasting, happy, successful, and healthy relationship.

7. Successful couples are positive about each other

Happy couples have relationships that are characterized by affection, empathy, and respect. In simple words, partners pay attention to what is happening in each other’s lives. Even in conflict, it is important to make more positive remarks.

8. Succesful couples appreciate each  beyond physical attraction.

Infatuating yourself with someone simply for what they look like on the outside is like choosing your favorite food based on color instead of taste.  It makes no sense.

9. Successful couples adhere to the 60/40 rule

‘Most people think marriage is 50/50. It’s not. It’s 60/40. You give 60. You take 40. And that goes for both of you.”

10. Successful couples have shared values

When your values are being honoured, you feel good. When you or someone else is pushing up against your values, you’ll feel a certain level of discomfort, if not outright pain.