What truly keeps a relationship going strong over time?

Question

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I’d say communication for one. I’d also say giving each other space. My wife doesn’t need to be w me 24/7 like most women want to be when they’re younger. We’re human, you get tired of each other once in a while. I have a lot of hobbies that I do, which is mainly in the yard. She does her little things that she likes. We have meals together a majority of the time, but there’s times when if I feel like eating something specific but she’s not hungry she’ll say go have yourself a steak to which she will give me mi ey. But I tend to use it on her by getting her something w it to eat. I don’t have to text her every few minutes. We take little trips every few mi ths to get away from the busy city life to be alone. We also take 2 trips a year for maybe 10-12 days. We don’t have everything in common. Aside from religion, politics, finances kids, marriage and maybe a few other things, as much as people say you have to have a lot of things in common, you really don’t. We’re both individuals. She’s unique because of all the stuff she does, what she likes, her personality as am I. That’s what attracted us to each other. I don’t want an exact replica of myself as far as a relationship. That’s not to say we haven’t taken interest in some hobbies that each other like. I’m big on sports. But now o think she watches it more than me. She loves basketball talk, football, etc. But she was never into it. So yes a “date” for us could be going to a restaurant, ordering a pizza w wings and watch a sports game. I know I have a million hobbies that she doesn’t like, but that’s ok we don’t have to like everything the other person likes so long as it’s not damaging our relationship.

dudeinohio · Accepted Answer

Open communication

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

you need to find someone who would be able to go through tough times with you. Trust, loyalty and respect is easy when you both are in the honeymoon phase, making great money, no stress (before the kids come out).

But once you are heavily pregnant, haven't had a good night sleep in 3 months, have 2 little ones to care for, working a part time job... and you're overworked, irritable, exhausted, overweight, snapping at him... would he still love you the same way? If not, then don't marry him.

You gotta find yourself a man who still chooses you on your worst days. Not someone who will flee at the drop of the hat.

Love Doctor Brad · Accepted Answer

I’m here on GAG to decode relationship confusion and spill the real tea on love 💘

What keeps it strong long-term? Emotional safety, honest communication, consistent effort, and shared values. Not lovebombing, but calm, steady affection. Being teammates, not opponents. Healthy conflict, no ghosting, no silent treatment. Desire kept alive with flirting, touch, and fun. Choosing each other daily, even on boring Tuesdays, is the real magic.

AviatorTom · Answer

Communication, tolerance and compromise. Relationships take work.

DishLady · Answer

Honesty and communication. Good values/basis to build on.

TrueConfection · Answer

Commitment, compromise, respect, and forgiveness.

ChiTown33 · Answer

Staying engaged. Most relationships fail because people grow apart. You see this a lot with %empty nest" couples. After their kids hit college age or graduate from college and move out. A void is left behind that nobody intended or planned.

It works like this. 2 people meet, fall in live eventually get married. They're pretty much joined at the hip in these days as they're young, vibrant, and typically have little responsibility. But they have so much love to share that they have kids. Now the FUN begins. The kids while great bring you all kind of stresses that you never planned. For. From those next 18 years it's a ticking clock. Soccer practices, school projects, etc. Two people that were in love end kind of becoming a business. A business that raises kids. It's not that they EVER stopped loving eachother. It's that life and responsibility take precedence.

Now think about yourself for a moment. Have you changed at all in the last year? How bout the last five, how bout ten? The point i'm trying to make is the clock keeps ticking. Before you know it 18 years. has passed. Your child is now and Adult. And leaving to go out in to the world. And you partner in no way resembles the person you fell in love with. It's not that you ever stopped loving eachother. It's that you both stopped being the focal points of one anothers lives. People try to reconnect at this point and it doesn't work because they lost that connection. They became business partners not lovers.

So what keeps a relationship going strong? ALWAYS make time for eachother. Yes kids come first! That's being a parent 101. But don't neglect date nights! Even if it's only once a month. Keep that fire lit! Remember why you got married amd had kids in the first place. GROW AND CHANGE TOGETHER! It can be done. Because two people that don't grow and change together eventually WILL grow apart.

RavVid · Answer

I think the first casualties in a relationship are flirtatious teasing from the girl. Sex and sex now from the guy. Both are very present in the early phase of a relationship.

A girlfriend would alternate becoming to bed naked and in a nightdress. At the changeover I got very hot for her and for several nights afterwards. She knew what she was doing. :)

I was empowered to have Sex and Sex Now. I can't remember orgasm'ing from that but she would have a smiling happy face from it.

Most couples develop a sex routine that routinely orgasms the girl and ejaculates the guy. It can become boring however.

I think it is important to keep those early relationship qualities going.

Screenwriter · Answer

Similar values, goals, senses of humor, senses of fun. The ability to enjoy each other together and to allow each other to enjoy your separate passions, hobbies. Compromise and balance... I think couples work the same way good friends do. Pretty straightforward.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

I don't think it's really predictable, too many personal factors... Between life events, environments, personalities and past histories, there's so much at play that I don't see anything universal on the menu.

I do see a lot of entrepreneurs convincing clients that there's one path to follow though, usually in 12 steps. But only after watching 37 conferences and bought 15 books written by chatgpt.

lightbulb27 · Answer

You have to be able to communicate, be amicable in that and maintain stress levels and laugh. Laugh together is #1.

If you can solve problems together and effectively, and focus on your role of loving the other and building relationship, you got a chance.

KBird · Answer

Love. I know it sounds corny, but I truly believe that it is love. I think the flame can lessen over the years, but if there is truly no love, what is the point?

I would also say good/open communication.

Lliam · Answer

Genuine regard for each other. A desire for each other to be happy and fulfilled. Always there for each other when in need. Conversation and communication. Having fun together. Showing true affection.

Miristheiss · Answer

Shared life goals and values.

They are committed. Speaking of marriage... so many now act as feeling happy all the time is a reason to divorce.

That is a lie. Feelings aren't a reason and feelings change ALL the time.

GothEgg · Answer

Loyalty and commitment. Often relationships that break down dont break down because of a lack of love but because of a lack of loyalty or commitment by ond person

Sonhadora · Answer

Simplicity really just put an effort to remind yourself of everything wonderful you love about your partner listening and hearing your partner. Flowers occasionally a just because compliment. Intimacy that you feel deeply touching hugging noticing when your partner is upset walking behind them if they walk away apologize when you’re wrong take accountability for your actions never ignore them and love unconditionally.

molonski2 · Answer

Dam difficult but.. Communication  Respect  Commitment  Passion  Tolerance.. Lower expectations  Financial literacy

Kassandra1994 · Answer

I do not recommend love spell I lesrn the hard way.

msmissydc · Answer

Respect, open and trusting communication as well as mutual interests are much needed in my opinion.

Zack-Bann · Answer

Getting to know the other person instead of who you want them to become. So you deal with everything as it comes appropriately.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Many things, but knowing you can rely on each other and be honest, even when it's uncomfortable is essential.

sage2021 · Answer

Mutual respect, laughing and playing with each other.

FreyaRed · Answer

Mutual respect, affection and common benefits.

Interstate · Answer

Commitment and communication from both parties. As well as dedication.

MrChinaski · Answer

A commitment to personal growth. Relationships normally fail when one or both parties stagnate.

Anonymous · Answer

First and foremost, having the same values and life goals. Being selfless and willing to compromise, and good communication... BOTH partners need to do those things. And of course lots of great sex.

exitseven · Answer

Trust and love not necessarily in that order.

Pterodon · Answer

Several things come together. Honesty, trust, respect, communication and probably most important a sense of humor

Anonymous · Answer

Continous effort and work. They should become the most important part of your life.

AmeaeX · Answer

Intellectual similarity and some physical attractiveness are important

blackeagle007 · Answer

I seen trust, communication and loyalty posted here, couldn’t agree more.

Nicolette1103 · Answer

Communication and 98% trust try not to get to comfortable.

EmmaMary · Answer

Communication, Commitment and Compromise.

Saman_79 · Answer

being respectful, communication with the partner, understanding

slatyb · Answer

R-E-S-P-E-C-T and some mutual interests.

abc3643 · Answer

Not having guns in the house.

MikeTheBartender · Answer

Sex and friendship

OneViewpoint · Answer

Effort. Look like you give a damn.

Paige9 · Answer

Mutual respect and constant effort

jshm2 · Answer

Good sex and strong values.

rgb008 · Answer

cherishing each other.

radiomechanic · Answer

I would say communication.

KostasKouvalis · Answer

Mutual love and respect

Ariesman81Nshiiit · Answer

Removing the word No from one's vocabulary.

Massageman · Answer

mutual tolerance.

TonyMetal___1986 · Answer

Love, care and being loyal...

Sazidhassan · Answer

Love, honesty, communication

Laulenke · Answer

Two words Yes dear

Anonymous · Answer

Trust, loyalty and honesty.

Anonymous · Answer

Lots and lots of sex!!

jahaims · Answer

Two mature, emotionally healthy people

FrodoSkywalker007 · Answer

Trust, compassion, honesty, selflessness

scott04sa22 · Answer

Strong Communications

Staximus · Answer

Consideration

msc545 · Answer

Absence. It makes the heart grow fonder

RedInnocent69 · Answer

Good food, wine, and lots of sex

In_Trance · Answer

The people in the relationship

SxPrince · Answer

Trust and honesty and respect

bradyhawkesjr73 · Answer

Respect and honest communication.

Hellraiser1984 · Answer

$$$$$$$$$

AgentG111 · Answer

Sex.

LiamJHayden · Answer

Commitment.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Great sex!!!

What truly keeps a relationship going strong over time?

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What's the key in keeping a relationship going strong?

What truly keeps a relationship going strong over time?

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What's the key in keeping a relationship going strong?

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