20 Keys to a Successful Long Term Relationship

What makes a relationship last? How to have a successful relationship? How to maintain a long term relationship? 

What is the key to a long term relationship?

Nobody knows the answers to all these questions, nor is there a secret of a long-lasting relationship. Many repeating themes hold couples together in making a relationship last or split them separated. 

Most unmistakable is this: Provisions.

What major idea is given, from one accomplice to the next, really and reliably, from the heart? It begins there, and it can end there.

The never-ending giving of something so indispensable reached out starting with one human then onto the next.

This is ground-breaking to the point that it draws two arbitrary individuals together on this planet and aids them from focusing on tips and tricks for a lifetime together in a long term relationship.

It must be some truly great stuff!

What aspects determine long-term relationship success?

To ensure that your relationship grows and stays healthy over the period isn’t easy. It would help if you worked on it consistently. The more you understand the area of problems in your relationship, the higher are the chances of building a long term relationship. 

By going through a deep analysis of your relationship, you can rejuvenate your relationship. 

Here are some aspects that help determine long term relationship success and happiness, have a look. 

1. Trust 

There is no way any relationship in the world would work out if there is not trust. It’s one of the most critical aspects of a long term relationship. Can you both depend on each other, can you both count on each other? If the answer to these questions is yes. You can build a strong relationship with your partner. 

However, if you think that you have trouble trusting your partner, you might want to seek a professional’s help and rebuild trust between you two to lead a long, happy life together. 

Related Reading: 8 Key Characteristics to Build Trust in Your Relationship

2. Communication

Communication is one of the most important factors in a relationship. When two people communicate and understand each other without any thought barrier, it’s what makes a relationship successful.

If you both don’t interact like two bodies and one mind, you can face some problems in the relationship. It would help if you kept healthy communication between you and your partner as it is the key to a successful relationship. 

3. Support 

You and your partner should be each other’s backbone. Supporting each other will help you build long term relationship goals. 

If your partner doesn’t celebrate every minor victory or doesn’t lend a helping hand when problems arrive, you may have to work more on your relationship to make it stronger.

Support is the key to a long lasting relationship. 

Related Reading: 15 Ways to Improve Emotional Support in Your Relationship

4. Fight resolution

You need to understand that there will be fights in your relationship. But, it would be best if you also remembered that you could resolve every conflict. 

A life long relationship needs constant love and care. If you cannot resolve the issues and disputes, you may need to look for a therapist that can help you make your bond stronger. 

According to Jenni Jacobsen, a licensed clinical social worker:

Conflict is a normal part of relationships, not something to be avoided. In healthy relationships, couples can handle conflict and repair the relationship after a disagreement.

How To Keep a Long Term Relationship Alive?

Keeping a long term relationship alive and thriving is difficult, but in the end, it is fruitful. You need to understand that the spark in your relationship will eventually start to fade, and that doesn’t mean there is something wrong with it. You have to keep nourishing the bond you share, and there are many ways to do it. For example:

• Try new things together to keep the fire between you two alive. 
• Talk to each other about each other every day. 
• Ask a lot of questions about your relationship from time to time to get an idea of where you both need to put more effort.
• Give a break to your phones and spend some quality time together. 
• Try to redo the activities that you did at the beginning of the relationship that made you fall in love with each other.  

How do you succeed in long term relationships?

The main ingredient to succeed in a long term relationship is the ability to accept change. You may think that you know your partner better than them, but please try to remember that change is constant, and no matter how deep your relationship is, people change. 

It would be best if you were ready to embrace the change that comes with time. This will help you know your partner better and forge a deeper bond with them. Be aware of where you both stand in your relationship, stay curious and respectful. That’s what makes a relationship successful. 

Related Reading: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Try to Change Your Partner 

20 keys to a successful long term relationship

There is no perfect answer to “what makes a relationship successful” , or “how to be in a successful relationship”, however, you can always work towards perfecting your relationship. 

Here are some things you can do to improve it and you can think of them as the keys to making a relationship work. 

1. Listen before you speak

To succeed in a long term relationship you need to learn the art of listening. Most people can’t sustain a relationship because they don’t listen to each other carefully yet expect to be understood. Listen, and you will realise that half of your problems will be resolved. 

2. Always keep the positives of your partner in your mind

As your relationship grows old, people forget to appreciate the good things about their partner and focus on wrongs. Even if you feel something is missing, try to remember all the good things about your partner and relationship. 

Focusing on positive emotions is one of the most important keys to a great relationship. 

Related Reading: 20 Ways to Build Positive Relationships

3. Try, try, and try again

There will be issues and you know it. You just have to put in more effort. If you think that your attempt to talk about an issue doesn’t go well or as you planned, make sure you are not leaving that issue unresolved. 

Try again!

Related Reading: 20 Effective Ways to Put Effort in a Relationship

4. Feeling good from inside will reflect from outside 

Somebody wisely said, if you are not happy with yourself, you can’t make anyone else happy. You need to feel good about yourself only then you will be able to focus on the good things about your relationship. 

The way you feel about yourself will determine how you feel about your partner. 

5. Accept and respect the differences 

You and your partner may be soulmates, but you both have an individual personality that is different from each other. There may be many similarities but the real pain is the differences. 

Learn to accept the differences of others and try to respect each other. Only then will you be able to grow in your relationship. 

Just as Jenni Jacobsen explains:

Sometimes, couples want to change each other, but in the happiest relationships, couples embrace each other’s differences.

6. Set goals

When you plan your future together the chances are that you are going to sustain a relationship for a longer period. Long term relationships goals make the bond stronger and show that you are going to be there for each other. 

Related Reading: 25 Relationship Goals for Couples & Tips to Achieve Them

7. Learn from disagreements and arguments 

Every time you have a conflict, learn from it. The more you analyze where the problem lies, the better your relationship will be. Learning is one of the most important keys to a successful relationship. 

8. Grow together

The key to a long lasting relationship is to support each other and grow as a better person. If you both can learn and grow together, you can conquer the world. 

9. Enjoy together

Have fun and celebrate every little moment of togetherness. It’s important to take out time and appreciate what you two have together. 

Do fun activities, try out new things, sit back and talk about the wonderful memories you had together or just talk about the best times of your life together. 

10. Keep calm and be gentle 

If you think that an issue needs to be addressed, you need to make sure that you take a gentle approach rather than arguing endlessly. It would be helpful if you can be patient and keep your calm while doing so. 

A lot of people don’t realise that attacking your partner with an issue will only make it bigger and nothing good will come out of it. You need to think clearly and make sure that you pick the right time and tone. 

11. Support 

You need to understand if you are making long term relationship goals, criticism should only be practiced in a healthy way. Try not to judge your partner, or blame them, in fact, it would be best if you understood that you are in the same team. 

Remember we are all human and we make mistakes, but we can’t survive alone. You need to be willing to show your support even if you want to criticize you should do it in a way that the other person doesn’t take it to their heart. 

12. Be committed 

A lot of people forget that being in a relationship is not about the label. It takes a lot to keep it going, and your partner should know that they are desired or being loved. 

Maybe you know how to express love but that isn’t what they expect, maybe your idea of love and commitment is not right for them. Find out what your partner likes and work on it. 

13. Don’t take your relationship for granted

A daily sense of gratitude can make your partner feel secure about your relationship. Maybe it guarantees relationship success, maybe not, but you can’t deny the power of little things in a relationship. 

Never take your partner or relationship for granted, the second you do that, the end begins. 

Related Reading: Daily Rituals to Follow to Stop Taking Your Partner for Granted

14. Spend some alone time together 

No matter if the world is falling down or you have an office priority or another engagement, you should always take out some time for your relationship. Have a dinner or lunch date where you two can open up, tell stories or just talk to each other about building your relationship. 

It’s your quality time and you need to spend it well. 

15. Power of gifts 

Things don’t have to be materialistic all the time, but you should know that every once in a while reminding your partner with a material token of love and respect never hurts anyone. 

The gift doesn’t have to be extravagant all the time, it can be anything meaningful. You order their favourite book, or their favourite food or just send a random text saying “I love you or I miss you” all these things will bring you closer.

16. Sharing is caring 

People share a stronger bond with each other when they are not alone in their happiness and sorrows. Share everything with your partner, be it a stupid joke, dreams, or fears or achievements, it will make you feel good and give you the assurance that someone is there for you. 

17. Sexual intimacy 

Intimacy is one of the key factors of a long term relationship. You have to keep the sexual fire alive between you two. It may not sound right but couples who are more sexually satisfied stay together for a longer time. 

To know more watch this video and learn how to sustain a strong sexual  connection:

18. Emotional intimacy 

Emotional intimacy is one of the most important factors in a relationship. Long term relationships will be stronger if we understand the power of emotional intimacy. This would cause less stress and you will be happier. 

Related Reading: 6 Tips for Building Emotional Intimacy in Marriage

19. Financial stability

One of the top reasons why couples seek professional help or counselors is financial situations. Your financial values set the course of the relationship. If you can handle disagreements about finances, you have already won half the war. 

20. Seek professional help 

A lot of people keep putting their mind towards, “how to have a successful relationship or how to be in one”. 

Sometimes you need to seek help from someone professional who would guide you through the rough patch that you are going through. You need to find out if you need to find a therapist or someone closer to you to get the frustration out. 

Conclusion

There are so many factors that lead to a long term relationship. It doesn’t matter if you are single, married, or just dating, you have to put all your heart in it if you want it to be a long term relationship. 

Continue exploring this topic

Talk to our Marriage.com AI Relationship Coach

Chat with me, ask questions and get help

Start Chatting

Marriage.com AI: Your Relationship Guide

Talk through what's on your mind.

Automated

Hi, I'm your relationship guide. What's on your mind?

YOU COULD START WITH

What makes a relationship last?

How to maintain a long term relationship?

AI guidance only - not therapy. In crisis? Call a helpline or Find a Therapist

Terms

Md Sahin Alom

I am a professional blogger and SEO expert. I am also a content writer and digital expert.

Marriage.com Assessment

What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now Quiz

Reviewed byJennifer Schulz, LCSW

Backed by relationship science and evidence-based psychology, this assessment helps identify the area of your relationship that deserves the most attention right now, whether things feel strong or slightly off. Research shows that even healthy relat...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Jan 23, 2026

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

Take the Quiz Now