1. Be realistic
True love is not at all the same as romantic love, which makes us not notice the shortcomings of our partner. It's a choice. This is constant support for another person, regardless of the circumstances. This is the understanding that your relationship will not always be cloudless. This is the need to deal with your partner’s problems, his fears and thoughts, even when you don’t want to.

2. Respect each other
This is the main thing in a relationship. Not attraction, not common goals, not religion, not even love. There will be times when you start to feel like you don't love each other anymore. But if you lose respect for your partner, you won’t be able to get it back.

3. Discuss all problems
If you are not happy with something, be sure to discuss it. No one will fix your relationship for you. The main thing to maintain trust is absolute honesty and openness of both partners.

-Share your doubts and fears, especially those that you don’t tell anyone else about. This will help not only heal some mental wounds, but also better understand your partner.
-Keep your promises. The only way to restore trust is to keep your word.
-Learn to distinguish between your partner’s suspicious behavior and your own complexes. Usually during quarrels, one person thinks that his behavior is completely normal, while the other seems the same thing to be categorically wrong.

4. Don't try to control each other
We often hear that relationships require sacrifice. There is some truth in this: sometimes you really have to give up something. But if both partners constantly sacrifice themselves, they are unlikely to be happy. Such a relationship will only harm both of them in the end.

5. Be prepared for both of you to change.
Over time, you and your partner will change - this is completely natural. Therefore, it is important to always be aware of the changes taking place and treat them with respect.

6.Learn to forgive
Don't try to change your partner - it's a sign of disrespect. Accept the fact that you have differences, love the person despite them and try to forgive.

But how do you learn to forgive?

-When the quarrel is over, it doesn’t matter who was right and who was wrong. Leave all conflicts in the past, rather than remembering them every month.
-No need to keep score. There should be no winners and losers in a relationship. Everything should be done and given free of charge, that is, without manipulation and expectation of something in return.
-When your partner makes a mistake, separate his behavior from his intentions. Don't forget what you value and love in your partner. Everyone makes mistakes. And if a person made a mistake, this does not mean at all that he secretly hates you and wants to break up.


7. Be pragmatic
Any relationship is imperfect, because we ourselves are imperfect. So be pragmatic: figure out what each of you is good at, what you like and don't like to do, and then distribute responsibilities.
In addition, many couples advise defining some rules in advance. For example, how will you divide all expenses? How much are you willing to borrow? How much can each partner spend without consulting the other? What must you buy together? How will you decide where to go on vacation?
Some even hold “annual reports” during which they discuss business management and decide what to change in the household. This, of course, sounds trivial, but this approach really helps to be aware of the needs and wants of your partner and strengthens the relationship.

8. Remember the little things
Simple signs of attention, compliments and support mean a lot. All these little things add up over time and affect how you perceive your relationship. That's why many people advise continuing to go on dates, going out on weekends, and making sure to find time for sex, even when you're tired. Physical intimacy not only allows you to maintain a healthy relationship, but even helps you fix it when something goes wrong.