Here are the 15 rules that the happiest couples follow (it’s the key to a successful romantic relationship)

Keeping the flame, the complicity, the butterflies in the stomach going… Sometimes a complicated mission when it’s been a long time that we are a couple. However, 15 rules can help lovers to maintain their relationship, and see it continue.

1 – Continue to do everyday things together

Going out to buy bread, shopping, walking the dog… These are the everyday tasks, sometimes seen as a chore, that you loved doing together at the very beginning of your relationship. Because everything seems good, together, in the beginning. To avoid letting routine set in and take over your relationship, continue to do these kinds of small tasks together. To maintain your bond and make these everyday tasks more enjoyable.

2 – Know your partner’s desires

What do you need to feel good in a relationship? Tender gestures, little touches, sweet words? If you don’t tell him, your partner probably doesn’t know it, and therefore can’t put it into practice if it’s not innate to him. And it’s the same thing on your side. So, discuss your desires and needs with your partner, mutually, to enable you to give yourself what you want.

3 – Communicate!

We can never repeat it enough: communication is the basis of a lasting relationship. If you have a disagreement, talk about it calmly, rather than lashing out, shouting or keeping it inside and then making things worse. A calm conversation can easily settle small, trivial arguments, which can turn into resentment.

4 – Stay considerate

Try not to lose your good habits from the beginning of your relationship: the little touches, the compliments, the surprises… Never take your partner for granted, and continue to prove your love to them as often as possible.

5 – Give your partner space

However, it is necessary to measure the time spent between two people, so as not to suffocate too much. It can depend on the people and the relationships, but keeping a little space on their own is good for breathing a little, creating a lack sometimes.

6 – Take time for yourself

Just like it’s sometimes good to give your partner space, it’s important to give yourself some space too. Take quality time for yourself whenever you feel the need: wellness session, outing with your friends, solo nap… Recharge your batteries to feel good, alone.

7 – Go out with your friends each if you want

It also depends on the couple, but it’s good to know how to do things separately, from time to time. If your partner wants to spend an evening with their friends, that’s great. And you can take advantage of doing the same. It is important to maintain a social life outside of the couple.

8 – Don’t let bad habits take hold

This goes hand in hand with communication. If, after a while, something bothers you about your partner: talk to him about it, quietly. It can be everyday things, like dirty socks lying around.

9 – Talk freely about your finances

This is a subject that is sometimes difficult to talk about, and yet important. If you are considering a serious, long-term relationship, it is necessary to be on the same wavelength when it comes to money, investment, financial projects, etc.

10 – Be honest, with sensitivity

Being honest is one of the fundamentals in a relationship, but it sometimes requires taking a grain of salt. The goal is not to upset or rush your partner, but to discuss an unpleasant subject with them. So, it is better to speak with tact and sensitivity, so that it is clearly understood and without argument.

11 – Observe the positive

Once a routine is established, it’s easy to only notice the negative things. Once again, little things like the mess in the house, the lack of attention and so on. If we have to talk about it, it is also good to take responsibility for ourselves by not only focusing on the negative. Certainly, your partner is messy, but aside from that, he cooks you good meals. This is an example which proves that he has his faults, but also and above all his qualities, which made you fall for him from the start.

12 – Don’t hold grudges within yourself

This is why it is good to communicate. If you are angry about something but don’t want to talk to your partner about it, you keep this annoyance within yourself and, even if you pretend to be fine, this creates a certain resentment, which may not be inappropriate, or which could have been dispelled through conversation. This is beneficial for you and your partner.

13 – Avoid arguments in public

Never wash your dirty laundry in public, this is also a basic rule. If this gives a bad image of your relationship, it also risks weakening it. Your partner may take it badly that you said certain hurtful things to him in front of your friends, may feel humiliated, belittled, etc. And vice versa. Better to take the time you go out and explain yourself when you get back.

14 – Don’t be afraid to put your ego aside

Obviously arguments exist in every couple. But when they take place, you have to be ready to recognize your mistakes, if you have any. And apologizing can only be appreciated. And not that complicated to do.

15 – Never say ‘no’ to forgiveness

If your partner asks you to forgive them, don’t see it as them winning, that you are weak, etc. Forgiveness should above all allow you to calm down. Holding onto anger is not good for your own well-being. Thus, forgiveness can be beneficial in finding inner peace. This doesn’t mean that you have to force yourself to forgive him, but rather think of yourself, above all else, and take the time you need to do so.