Love Advice: The Keys to A Lasting Relationship

Searching for love advice to help with your relationship? You got it...

key, key to heart, love, key to my heart

At one point or another, haven't we all wondered what exactly is it that allows some relationships to last seemingly forever and other relationships to self-destruct after merely weeks or days?

The answer is that there is no "one key"; instead, there are actually seven of them. We have decided to create a collection of these seven "keys for lasting relationships" so that you can identify what YOUR current relationship already possesses or lacks and act accordingly.

(Note: the keys are in no specific order. The importance of each respective attribute depends on YOUR relationship. Everyone places different values on these things.)

The Magnificent Seven

1) Trust
A big part of any successful relationship is trust. When two people have no worries or suspicions of their partner cheating on them, it is a huge weight off the relationship's shoulders.

If you find yourself not capable of trusting your partner, then there is something wrong at the core of your bond - this relationship trouble needs attention ASAP.

2) Open, effective communication
When two people are completely open with each other and also communicate effectively, there is almost no problem they can’t overcome.

telephone, red box, red telephone, old telephone

On the other hand, if a relationship experiences a lack of communication then it will not be able to solve even the simplest of problems.

Similarly, if there is an abundance of interpersonal communication but it is to the tune of "you're so annoying", "I'm done listening to you", or "you just suck" then the ineffective nature of the communication will lead to more negative than positive results.

3) Respect
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect is important to both males and females and should be displayed by both in a relationship.

It is impossible for two people to agree about everything or even some things all the time - occasionally it will feel like you can agree on nothing but disagreeing. Luckily, if you both respect each other's opinions and attempt to understand where each other is coming from, your relationship will have a much better chance of avoiding conflicts and lasting the distance.

4) Passion
Without passion, there is no fire in a relationship - it would be a completely platonic, almost business-like, friendship.

heart pot, heart pan, relationship needs, loving relationship

This fact makes "passion" a vital ingredient to successful relationships.

Since you likely are not interested in converting your romantic relationship into a platonic one, strive to keep the excitement, romance, and hunger alive.

(This can be done by simply planning creative dates or romantic getaways.)

5) Dependability
The warm feeling of security at the thought of someone always being there for you (through the good times and the bad) is undeniable.

One of the attributes that women want is this feeling from her partner (and the same goes vice versa). When you consider your partner reliable and dependable, it adds great strength to the foundation of your relationship.

6) Friendship
Being able to make jokes, have funny conversations, and playfully enjoy each other's company is invaluable in relationships.

friends, friendship, laugh, laughing, funny picture

Having the mutual ability to sit back and relax with each other provides a fantastic way to handle the day's stress.

...Which leads to less irritable partners, which leads to less arguments occurring, this leads to a happier relationship, which leads to a longer lasting relationship. Thus, makes it on our list of love advice.

7) Honesty
Keeping lies out of a relationship is extremely important for its survival.

When lies begin to be told, all of the other previously mentioned keys are negatively affected too (loss of trust, loss of respect, loss of friendship bond, loss of open communication, etc.)