Things I've Learnt About Love.

No matter your status—single, dating, engaged, or married—relationships take work. And whether they end with tears or last until forever may depend upon countless factors, but your own actions, words, and thoughts undoubtedly play a role.

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One thing that'll give you an advantage in the game of love? Soaking up all the wisdom you can from friends, researchers, matchmakers, and more. Here, i've distilled it down to the very best advice i have learned. Regardless of your personal situation, this words may help you uncover the key to long-lasting happiness.

1. Do or say something daily to show your appreciation.

"Saying and doing small, simple expressions of gratitude every day yields big rewards. When people feel recognized as special and appreciated, they're happier in that relationship and more motivated to make the relationship better and stronger. And when I say simple, I really mean it. Make small gestures that show you're paying attention: Hug, kiss, hold hands, buy a small gift, send a card, fix a favorite dessert, put gas in the car, or tell your partner, 'You're sexy,' 'You're the best dad,' or simply say 'Thank you for being so wonderful.'"

2. Realize every relationship has value, regardless of how long it lasts. 

"There’s no such thing as a failed romance/love. Relationships simply evolve into what they were always mean to be. It’s best to not try to make something that is meant to be seasonal or temporary into a lifelong relationship. Let go and enjoy the journey."

 3. Never take your partner for granted. 

"This may sound obvious, but you can't imagine how many people come to couples councelling too late, when their partner is done with a relationship and wants to end it. It is very important to realize that everyone potentially has a breaking point, and if their needs are not met or they don't feel seen by the other, they will more than likely find it somewhere else. Many people assume that just because they are OK without things they want so is their partner. 'No relationship is perfect' shouldn't be used as a rationalization for complacency."
 

4. Remember to take breaks.

 Taking break at times, is not what we take it to be. "A friend taught me that no matter how in love you are or how long you've been together, it's important to take an exhale from your partnership. Hang out with girlfriends until late in the evening, take a weekend trip to visit family, or just spend time 'doing you' for a while. Then when you go home to Yours Truly, you'll both be recharged and ready to come together even stronger."
 

5. It's not what you fight about—it's how you fight.

"Researchers have found that four conflict messages are able to predict whether couples remain together or get divorced: contempt, criticism, stonewalling (or withdrawal), and defensiveness. Together, they're known as the 'Four Horsemen of Divorce.' Instead of resorting to these negative tactics, fight fairly: Look for places where each partner's goal overlaps into a shared common goal and build from that. Also, focus on using 'I' vs. 'you' language."

6. Stop trying to be each other’s “everything.”

"'You are my everything' is a lousy pop-song lyric and an even worse relationship plan. No one can be 'everything' to anyone. Create relationships outside The Relationship, or The Relationship isn't going to work anymore."

7. Look for someone with similar values.

"For long-lasting love, the more similarity (e.g., age, education, values, personality, hobbies), the better. Partners should be especially sure that their values match before getting into marriage. Although other differences can be accommodated and tolerated, a difference in values is particularly problematic if the goal is long-lasting love. Another secret for a long marriage: Both partners need to commit to making it work, no matter what. The only thing that can break up a relationship are the partners themselves."

8. Make sure you're meeting your partner's needs.

"The number one thing I have learned about love is that it is a trade and a social exchange, not just a feeling. Loving relationships are a process by which we get our needs met and meet the needs of our partners too. When that exchange is mutually satisfying, then good feelings continue to flow. When it is not, then things turn sour, and the relationship ends. That is why it is important to pay attention to what you and your partner actually do for each other as expressions of love... not just how you feel about each other in the moment."

9. Take care of yourself.

"There is one major cause of relationship problems: self-abandonment. We can 'abandon' ourselves in many areas: emotional (judging or ignoring our feelings), financial (spending irresponsibly), organizational (being late or messy), physical (eating badly, not exercising), relational (creating conflict in a relationship), or spiritual (depending too much on your partner for love). When you decide to learn to love yourself rather than continue to abandon yourself, you will discover how to create a loving relationship with your partner."

As all this are listed, i pressume and wish you the very best with you relations. Best of love ahead!