How does a relationship last a lifetime?
My grandparents have been a couple since their teenage years. Their partnership has lasted a lifetime. They hardly ever argue, and everything between them is completely harmonious. I wish for a relationship like that too, but somehow it never quite works out for me. I really don't know why. Although my relationships start off well, eventually there comes a time when one of us feels we've grown apart. How do some couples manage to stay together their whole lives without drifting apart? How does a relationship last a lifetime?
The metaphorical secret of the older generation is: repairing things instead of replacing them. This works in relationships too. In plain terms: How do you stay a couple for a lifetime? Facing conflicts and seeking solutions together rather than simply throwing the relationship away at the first major hurdle. You don't have to split up right away; sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone and work on finding solutions, even if it means putting in a lot of effort. Of course, it's important to have a partner whom you love and who thinks the same way. Harmony naturally comes with the years, as you experience both good times and bad together, and overcome them as a team.
Do not strive to be the perfect partner under any circumstances. In a relationship, it's vital to be able to discuss problems openly, which is much easier when you're talking to your best friend. Therefore, it's preferable to embody a bit of everything: a partner, a confidant, a lover... Additionally, you'll experience much more enjoyment in the relationship because everything will flow more naturally. Don't shy away from critiquing your partner or addressing issues. Suppressing your frustrations to avoid losing your partner only leads to pent-up emotions, and the underlying problems remain unresolved. Eventually, the situation will escalate, making a breakup inevitable. So, how do you maintain a long-lasting relationship? Communication is key! It's the foundation of a healthy, enduring partnership.
One should definitely have shared interests in a romantic relationship, but at the same time, it's important to have some differences, following the principle of opposites attract. This keeps things interesting for the partner, and you keep discovering new aspects of each other, even after being together for a long time.
The same goes for friendships: having mutual friends is important, but everyone should also have their own friends and occasionally do things with them without the partner.
There isn't a plan for the perfect lifelong relationship, as each person is an individual, and both partners have different needs and goals in life. To have a good chance of staying together with a partner for a lifetime, one should seek a partner who shares the same goals and preferably similar visions of a shared life. For example, if a man seeks a woman who stays at home and takes care of household and children, but the woman wants to pursue a career, this relationship is doomed from the start. Once you've found someone who fits you, it's important to discuss your own expectations early in the relationship and, if necessary, end the relationship if it doesn't align. It's better to do so early on rather than after a few years, especially if you're already living together or have children.
