Common traits in a Successful Relationship
When you go into a relationship, your goal is to be that couple. You know what I’m talking about. That couple. The happy couple everyone fawns over while you two are giggling in the kitchen. The couple that just has it together. Or as I like to call it: The Notebook couple.
When it comes to your relationship, obviously chemistry and attraction brought you two together. But it takes more than a pretty face to make it work for the long run. But what is it? What do all successful couples have common? You’re about to find out.
1. Their partners are number one
If you’re working night shifts and he’s working day shifts, it’s hard to make time to see each other. But focusing on quality time together is the ticket to a successful relationship. It’s easy to get sucked into work or family obligations, but couples need to share experiences together.
If you’re spending more time apart from your partner, it’s not going to work. And it makes sense, how can couples be successful if they never spend time together? Date nights, movie dates, evening walks - these rituals don’t seem important, but they’re the ticket to bonding.
2. They listen
For some of you, this may sound a little weird. But is it really? So many people claim to be listeners, but they never hear what you’re saying. This cannot be your partner. Maybe your mom doesn’t want to hear about your newly discovered spaghetti recipe, but your partner should.
Your spouse may come home from work one day extremely stressed; you need to be there to give an empathetic and active ear. Being a partner is about showing support when needed. Your partner wants to be heard, so listen.
3. They handle problems right away
Usually, people will take days, weeks, even years to address problems in their relationship. And it’s understandable. To find a solution to a problem, it’s going to take work. And who wants to work? So, instead, people bottle up their emotions, let grudges build up over several years, and then freak out one day at Christmas dinner.
I mean, it’s dramatic and exciting as the viewer, but not for the couple. When you have an issue, you need to address it right away. Not in five days or on your deathbed but right now. You’ll save yourself from thousands of useless arguments. Openly communicate and express your feelings right away.
4. They agree on fundamental issues
You not liking broccoli isn’t a big deal. But, you wanting to have seven children may be an issue. Successful partners have the basics covered. They’re not arguing over religion, politics, or sex. They have all of this dealt with.
Everyone has their own opinions and boundaries - these things need to be agreed upon right away. The last thing you need is to be in a five-year relationship and just find out your partner doesn’t want children when you do. Get these topics out in the open and resolved as soon as possible.
5. They show the love
No, I’m not saying you need to have sex with your partner every day to show you appreciate them. Appreciation isn’t always buying flowers or wearing sexy lingerie. But it’s other acts of service you show in your long term relationship that helps.
Showing admiration for things they’ve accomplished recently, sending your partner a sexy text message, or just telling them how lucky you are to have them. If you ignore your partner, if you never tell them you appreciate them or notice their haircut or a new shirt, it’s not going to work. They want validation, words of affirmation and attention from their partner, and so do you.
6. They’re friends
Some couples aren’t actually friends. Some people just don’t want to be lonely. Though they may have a partner, they don’t have them as friends. Successful couples are two people who are friends.
They know everything about each other, and they trust each other through the long-run. It’s more than just what goes on in the bedroom; successful couples are connected on a deeper level.
7. They can laugh together
Can you imagine being with someone you can’t laugh with? Everyone is flawed, but great partners don’t hold these flaws against each other. Instead, they laugh about it. Because, honestly, what’s the point of being so serious about everything?
We’re all going to make stupid mistakes and in those moments, the best way to deal with it laugh. If your partner can laugh at themselves and laugh through life with you, there’s no way you’ll fail.
Relationships aren’t easy; they’re a lot of work. But if you’re planning on being with your partner for the rest of your life, then why not be the best possible couple? Why not put the work into your relationship?
Successful couples invest heavily in their relationships, and that’s why their partnerships are strong. Try out some of these ways to strengthen your relationship with your partner.
WRITTEN BY
Natasha Ivanovic
Natasha Ivanovic is an intimacy, dating, and relationship writer best known for her writings on Kiiroo, LovePanky, Post Pravda, and more. She's the creator and author of her short stories on TheLonelySerb. She completed her first degree in Criminology and continued and finished her Masters in Investigative Psychology, but then decided to follow her true passion of writing.
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