Sometimes, relationships hit a plateau where you feel like it’s just surviving and you’re going through the motions. According to the Washington Post, once unmarried couples (30+) pass the one-year mark, the likelihood of a breakup decreases to about 20%. But that doesn’t mean that these relationships are fulfilling. Some couples understand how to make their long-term relationship thrive, not just survive. The real reasons for a thriving relationship are simpler than you think. Here are five key factors that will lead your relationship to thrive.
1. You Understand Each Other’s Love Languages
Sometimes how we show love isn’t how another person wishes to receive it. If your relationship is thriving, you know your partner’s love language and act accordingly. For some, it may be acts of service or physical touch, while other people need love through quality time spent together or gifts. Here is a look at the five love languages:
- Words of affirmation
- Quality time
- Gifts
- Acts of service
- Physical touch
If you’re not sure what your love language is, you can take a quiz online to find out. By speaking each other’s language, your relationship will thrive not just survive.
2. You’re Committed Even Through The Hard Times
Even if you hit a rough patch, you still know that your relationship will make it through the hard times. You and your partner are committed to working through your problems and navigating the trials of life together. Bonds are often strengthened during hard times and you’ll learn how best to support each other. Forbes published an article stating that hard times create some of the strongest bonds and greater happiness. Ultimately, these times force you to rely on each other for support and will create a sense of shared experience. Even if it’s messy, you know that challenges will make your relationship stronger.
3. You Continue to Grow Together
Relationships hardly ever stay the same. As time passes, you and your partner will continue to grow as individuals. A recent study found that relationship satisfaction relies heavily on individual-difference predictors like life satisfaction. Additionally, personal growth will help you communicate more effectively, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen your connection with your partner. A thriving relationship means that you can navigate these changes and grow together.
4. You Make an Effort
A thriving relationship never gets stale. Even in long-term relationships, couples who are thriving make an effort every day. This might not be in extravagant ways, but in the little things that make your partner feel appreciated and special. According to the results of a study by the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, effort in a relationship was strongly and positively associated with satisfaction and stability.
5. You’re Better Together
In a thriving relationship, your partner is your best friend. You can’t imagine going through life with anyone else and you enjoy spending time together. Even if you’ve been together for years, you aren’t tired of each other. You may have disagreements, but with open communication, your relationship still thrives. In the end, you always see yourself better off together.
Building a Thriving Relationship
If you’re working on building a thriving relationship not just one that survives, these five things are essential. But if you are struggling with any of these tenets of a strong relationship, maybe it’s time to reevaluate things. Sit down and have an honest conversation with your partner about areas where you see your relationship as lacking. This can help you move forward or decide to call it quits. Either way, you deserve happiness in your relationship. You deserve something that is thriving, not just surviving.
If your relationship is thriving, what are your secrets? Share them in the comments.
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Teri Monroe
Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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