Private Practice Psychology

Why Long Term Relationships Last

In dealing with couples who have been married for many years, these aspects of marriage (not listed in any type of priority) are listed as necessary for a long lasting marriage.

• Continue to build intimacy — both sexually and emotionally — throughout your marriage.
• Create passion for life and for one another.
• Forgive one another. Don’t hang on to past baggage and past hurts. Be willing to let go and to move forward with your lives.
• Continue to be committed to each other and celebrate your sense of commitment.
• Like one another and be friends with each other.
• Have fun together, laugh together, and use humor in healthy ways.
• Comfort, encourage, and affirm one another.
• Be able to stand on your own feet as a couple and not be dependent either financially or emotionally on either of your parents.
• Respect one another’s need for privacy and space.
• Parent together.
• Deal with a crisis and adversity together.
• Fight fair.
• Accept your differences and don’t try to change your spouse.
• Keep romance alive in your marriage.