Across the centuries, scientists, philosophers and psychologists, as well as most people who have ever entered into a couple, have tried to answer the question, ‘What makes a long-lasting relationship work?’. As the years go by and divorce rates climb higher and higher, we seem to be moving further and further away from solving the problem. Sometimes it’s impossible to pin down why one couple is successful and another breaks down after a couple of years. But there are a few fundamentals that always seem to be present in lasting couples. Here is my ingredients list for cooking up a successful relationship…
One good story of how you met…
In any relationship it’s always great to be able to think back to the way it all began. If you’re having an argument, recollections of this honeymoon period of infatuation and excitement will always help to calm you down and think on your problems with a clear and rational mind, unclouded by angry emotions. This is why it’s important (though not essential) to have a meeting story worth telling and worth remembering. This could be a prolonged courtship on free dating sites or a holiday romance – anything you’ll be able to recall fondly.
A sprinkle of shared goals…
There is a practical element to the success of relationships. You may be walking off into the sunset together, but if it’s not the same sunset, then you might be in for a bit of a shock. If one of you harbours a grand ambition to open a gastro pub in your local area and the other wants to open a hotel in Thailand, either you’re not destined to be together or one of you will have to make some huge sacrifices. But if you have a similar ending in mind, then it’s bound to be a happy one.
A bushel of harmony…
Meeting the in-laws is always one of the trickiest points in a relationship. Family and friends are such important elements in everyone’s lives, and if they can’t get on with your partner in harmony, then you may as well break up right now. Don’t get me wrong – there will always be some people within your society that your partner can’t and won’t get on with. But with the majority there should be complete harmony, matched in your relations with their social circles. Otherwise, how will your family become their family and how will their friends become your friends? For in successful relationships this is what should happen.
A seasoning of common ethics…
There are some subjects upon which you have to agree to be happy together. Morality and ethics are the most important of these. Also, it is sometimes essential to be of the same religion and belief system. Niche dating websites are great ways to find people with similar beliefs – there are Christian dating sites, Muslim dating sites and many others.
A whole bunch of perseverance…
With or without the above characteristics, a relationship has to have two very persevering parties in order to function over a long period. If you have enough love and affection for each other, you should be able to combat any obstacle, big or small. Interminable patience and steadfast perseverance are all that is needed.
Follow this recipe and you should find a life partner to keep you company every step of the way!

