In relationships, lasting success is often seen as elusive, with many couples wondering what it takes to truly “make it.” While love and compatibility are essential, they are only part of the equation. Behind the scenes, thriving couples cultivate specific habits and behaviors that sustain their bond through challenges, changes, and time. These are the seven key traits of couples who manage to weather the storms, deepen their connection, and help their relationships not just survive, but thrive.
They Have Boundaries with Family
It can be hard to set boundaries with your family, but this is something that most couples who stay together do. They put the relationship first and have clear boundaries with family. They didn’t vent to them about issues or make decisions based on what their families wanted. They did what was best for their partnership. This doesn’t mean that they don’t take advice from family, but they won’t let anyone else’s wants and wishes overrule what they know is best for them.
They’re Friends
You can love someone but not like them. Couples who have happy, lasting relationships genuinely enjoy spending time with each other. They genuinely enjoy spending time with each other, exactly like friends do. They are excited to come home and catch up after a long day. Though they may not start their relationship as just friends, friendship is the basis of their romantic relationship.
They’ve Been Through Really Dark Times
If you plan on being in a long-term relationship, hard times are going to come. A lot of people run away when things start to get hard. Couples who make it, in the long run, have all been through really difficult periods where they were at a crossroads and even might have had second thoughts. But, they choose to stay together and work through it. This deepens their trust and makes the relationship more resilient.
It should go without saying, but to be clear this doesn’t mean to stick it out through abuse. No kind of abuse is okay. No one should stay in a relationship where their needs aren’t being met or are completely disregarded.
They Let Each Other Be Themselves
We often have to wear enough masks throughout the day and your partner should be safe spaces for each other. There is a base level of respect and admiration for each other rather than a desire to change each other. This freedom brings out the best parts of each person.
They Have Difficult Conversations
You cannot have a truly happy long-term relationship without being able to have difficult conversations. There is no joy in choking down your needs and wants to
“keep the peace”. Happy couples communicate regularly and are open to each other’s perspectives. They don’t cope by avoiding or denying. They know how to regulate their emotions so conversations rarely become explosions.
They Fight
Happy couples fight. No one is always going to be completely on the same page 100% of the time. They get on each other’s nerves and get frustrated with each other sometimes, but they know how to navigate conflict and move forward.
They Make Light of Each Other’s Quirks
Everyone does something that their partner is going to think is weird, but they don’t criticize them for it. Couples who make it appreciate and acknowledge each other’s quirks and idiosyncrasies, even if they are sometimes annoying. There’s no sense in making a mountain out of a molehill.
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