Why do some couples seem to drift easily through the years, while others struggle and ultimately fail?
While there’s no set indicator to determine if a couple will end up apart, there are a few traits that the happiest and longest lasting relationships share. See if you and your mate have some of these in common:
Similar Intellect
- Let’s face it; if you are going to spend a great deal of time with someone, you ought to be able to talk to them. Things can get pretty boring if you two aren’t able to hold a conversation. Furthermore, if you can’t stimulate each other with dialog, chances are eventually you won’t be able to do it any other way either.
Complementing Strengths and Weaknesses
- Opposites may attract but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay together. For two people to truly click, they should balance each other out. For example, two people who can’t keep a house clean to save their life will probably get on each other’s nerves, while a couple that has at least one clean freak in it will help the other one pick up their clothes. Ideally, the person you spend time with should bring out the very best in you, not enhance your more negative qualities.
Interests in Common
- Couples that share a few of the same hobbies will be able to build a deeper friendship than those that don’t. Here’s a tip: friendship equals longevity. So if you and your mate share a passion for something, chances are it will make you appreciate the time you spend together even more.
Similar Sex Drive
- Physical intimacy is a large part of a successful relationship. Couples that share the same level of desire will argue less about sex.
Same Life Goals
- Let’s face it, if you don’t share the same aspirations for family, children, and home life, it will make things a constant push and pull over the most basic areas of living. Couples should talk openly about their wishes for the future and never assume that just because you love someone they share the same perspective.
Shared Faith
- The couple that prays together stays together. Even if your religion is no religion, you and your partner should both be on board with what you believe. Faith is a foundation for most relationships, and if one of you just goes through the motions while the other is devout, it’s likely to cause serious conflicts down the road.
Fighting Fair
- Any two people that share a great deal of time together are going to disagree at some point in time. It’s just a given. How you choose to argue, however, makes all the difference in your relationship. Couples that focus on the issue at hand and discuss things respectfully often work through issues better than those that resort to name calling and dragging out past events to win an argument.
Similar Sense of Humor
- The ability to laugh at things goes a long way in life. If one of you thinks something is hilarious while the other is offended, you have an issue. Sharing a sense of humor makes the smaller moments of life that much more enjoyable. You should be able to enjoy your partner’s company no matter what you’re doing. If you do, it will help ensure a long and happy partnership.
Related:
When to Talk and When to Listen to Your Partner
The copyright of the article Keys to a Great Partnership in Dating is owned by Cherie Burbach. Permission to republish Keys to a Great Partnership in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
