The fact remains, that whether you’re dating or married, relationships are hard. Not everything is always going to be perfect but if you both choose to make it work then it can. And remember it’s the little things that you sometimes do that can go a long way to making your relationship work. Read through the helpful tips below on how to make your relationship go the distance.

Communication is vital to all healthy relationships. Listen to your partner and avoid blame and judgement. Don’t let your emotions dictate your behavior. Remember just talking things over can help you to both have a deeper understanding of each other. Learn to argue well. Never say something to your partner that you wouldn’t want to hear said back. Just remember, the one good thing they say about arguing, is the making up afterwards.

Often those little things that first attracted you to your partner can turn into nasty annoying habits. Learn to love your partner warts and all. Money is one of the top conflicts between most couples. For the relationship to work, you need to address your finances and maybe even work out a budget.

Try to keep your dependence and independence in balance. Tell your partner how much you need them, but don’t get to dependent on them and cling to them all the time, as that can make your partner feel trapped. Try to keep a happy and healthy balance between the two. Learn to forgive. If you know you will never forgive your partner over something important, and feel the trust can never be regained then give yourself, and him a break and start again, with someone new.

Don’t ever think that going to counseling is a sign of a failed relationship. It can turn a bad relationship around and can also turn an average relationship into an excellent one.

Without quality time together, your relationship will not survive. You both want to feel secure within the relationship. A good relationship is built on compromise and a lot of give and take from both of you.

Sort out your sex life, it may start to go downhill over the years, don’t just accept it. As soon as you notice it, address it with your partner and work out why, and what to do to bring back the passion. Why not experiment with new ideas in the bedroom. Role play, dressing up, or maybe take your sex life out of the bedroom and try new places. The introduction of marital aids into the relationship can also help to spice things up.

Whatever you decide, remember communication is vital.