The Essential Steps For a Happy, Long-Lasting Relationship

1. You and Your Partner Must Truly Become Best Friends
But what is a best friend? A best friend is likely someone you have known for a long time. You probably know them better than anyone. You had an initial connection based on common interests and enjoyment of each other's company that grew into a solid, trustworthy, caring r3lationship.

2. Believe in the Power of Your Lov3
Lov3 has the ability to transform people. Even when it seems far-fetched, it's important to keep believing the lov3 that drew you and your partner together will continue to better both of your lives. Allow yourself to feel deserving and strong because of your r3lationship. Dream and fantasize about how beautiful it can really make both of you! Believe that together, you can conquer anything.


3. Never Stop Courting Your Partner
While those late nights you had while dat1ng — staying up till 2 A.M. talking, feeling too excited to sleep — don't last forever, the idea of court1ng your partner should never totally disappear. When we first meet people, we are very observant. We go out of our way to do small things to show them that we care. We learn all we can about them and continually try to make a good impression.

4. Be Emotionally Available and Vulnerable With Your Partner
The most important thing you can give to your partner is the knowledge they can come to you with anything. This requires an opening up on both sides. When one of you expresses your feelings, the other one must give support and provide comfort. Being present is extremely important in showing your partner you care.

5. Have Fun Together
In a close, lov1ng, bonded r3lationship, both people have to feel that their connection is about fun and laughter — you can't take each other too seriously. If the first four steps are fulfilled, having fun with each other isn't too difficult. When you feel a close bond, you know what the other person cares about, you know how to be there for them, and you also know how to make them laugh and how to bring them joy. Even when things are stressful, a closely bonded coupl3 will feel strongly enough about each other that they can just let go and enjoy each other's company.