It’s Valentine’s day and as most of us are getting ready for a night of fun and laughter we wonder could this be forever? We would all hope to be blessed with a partner that we can grow old and grey with.

For this topic I had to do a little research of my own and ask a variety of women and men what was the secret to their long-term relationship. I never realised how many people I knew in a long-term relationship until I went down my contact list and I must say it was quite reassuring, for the simple fact of knowing that it’s possible to maintain a long-term relationship and in recognizing it can be achievable when paired with the right person.

The one that came up the most was communication, as we know communication is the key to all healthy relationships. If you have a problem, tell them!

Stop telling people your business, period! Don’t have third parties telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. That goes for family members too. Advice from someone you can trust is harmless if you do what YOU think is right, not your friends or family. Well unless they’re abusive or some nonsense like that you best listen to your friend boo.

1) Trust, well.. that’s something that must be built over time and gained. If you know you trust them everything gon’ be okay.

2) Patience, we all have different levels of patience and working on your patience would be good to reduce arguments or frustration.

3) Be considerate towards your partner’s feelings and don’t just think of yourself.  No one wants to be with someone selfish and inconsiderate.

4) Make time for each other, this means seeing each other as much as you can, building on that connection will only make the bond stronger.

5)) Freedom, giving your partner freedom to go out with their boys or girls, this is not only healthy for them but for both of you to have some alone time and have a chance to miss each other. Let them breath!

6) Being spontaneous, do new things, go new places and creating new amazing memories this will keep you both going and keep things exciting.

7) Understanding your partner, everyone gives and receives love differently. Get familiar with how your partner likes to receive affection. For example, some people like to be hugged or receiving flowers, these are things they like that makes them feel affection.

8) Become the best version of yourself, you may have a bad habit that drives them crazy, try to change that!

9) Don’t stop dating your partner and get comfortable, continue to do all the nice things you used to in the beginning. A relationship works both ways, you give and receive you can’t always be the receiver.

And remember, try to talk through problems not argue your way through.

-Rikkisha West