leeanne

Dan and I have been together for 10 years today. I've been thinking, to those who've been with their OH for quite awhile, what are your tips to a long, loving relationship?

We've had our ups and downs, like every relationship, but nothing really has changed drastically since the day we met. He's truly the love of my life, even with his downfalls. LOL

doctordeesmrs

I hope i still feel that way after 10 years. DH and i have been together 4 years this summer. I believe in honesty and talking things through. Also trust plays an important part. If there's no trust then theres nothing as the insecurities eat away at you.

Emmea12uk

nothing wipes the slate clean more than time apart. Like a seperate holiday or something. really brings back to life what you appreiciate about each other.

everytime my oh comes home, it is like a new relationship! Not sure how it works practically when you are never seperate tho..

bexy_22

honesty. and being able to act like your a teenager again every so often =] not that i would know as i still am a teenager lol but from experiencing relationships of people i know

Vickie

Only been married for 2 1/2 years but we did speak online for 6+ years prior to meeting in person (without either of us dating anyone else ). I think that trust is the most important thing in any relationship. If you can't trust the person you are with you have nothing.

Tam

Communicate, communicate, communicate and don't take each other for granted! That's what I think works for us without a doubt! Both our parents split up due to a lack of communication i.e everything was always one sided as my Mum just wanted an easy life, to disagree and say what she would like would result in a row.

So when we got together we promised each other that we would always say what was on our minds no matter how hard, or horrible and always be truthful about what we both want as individuals so we could therefore make a happier couple.

Also we are really appreciative when we do anything for each other as we are both capable of doing things for ourselves, so therefore we should not expect anyone to wait on anyone in any way shape or form, which does stretch to the housework & washing, I am not his scivvy no more than he is mine. My Mum did everything except wipe my Dad's arse and even til this day he thinks she loved her life with him, she was nothing but his scivvy who was run ragged! He would also volunteer her for things without a thought for how she would feel about it. I promised I would never live like that, I would not be taken for granted anymore than I would take someone else for granted.

It must work well as we both absolutely love being together as much as we can and love each others company! We have been together for 6yrs, known each other for 7yrs. x

Nikkinoonoo

I've been with Shaun 9 years this wednesday (times flown by!) and i think honesty is a strong contributer. Every now n then we have a bit of a row, lately due to my hormones, and I'm brutally honest with him and it really clears the air. Makes him understand easier how I feel and vice versa.
Congrats on your 10 year anniversary xXx

bluebell

My DH and I have been together 11 years and married for 2 1/2 and I echo what Tam has said. Communication, trust and honesty are so important for our relationship as for not taking each other for granted. I often think about how lucky I am to be with my DH as he really is a wonderful man. He is my best friend, soul mate and lover and he's going to be such an amazing dad.

Oh I feel all emotional now (pregnancy hormones!!)

xx

Katie bump

Me 'n himself have been together eleven years. I honestly believe we've lasted because we're good friends, we work as a team and we have a really good laugh together.

Oh yeah, he irons too which I HATE, and my mother loves him so I guess I have to keep him now.

leeanne

I totally agree with all of the above.

And I would like to add, laughter and being able to laugh with each other.

I also found, no nagging helps. It also prevents arguments.

I have to be honest and say, we truly haven't had a large fight in 5 years. And I could actually count on my one hand the number of big fights we have had.

Not to say there isn't always room for improvement in a relationship. Often when you are with each other a long time, it tends to get comfortable.