Unfortunately, a huge number of couples break up during the first years of living together. Often, the reason for the breakup is differences in partners' views on their role in the family, the relationship between Man and Woman, etc.

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But in reality, there is a very simple but effective way not only to maintain the relationship but also to strengthen it. I'll try to explain with an example. Being born and raised in a family, a person absorbs, like a sponge, norms and styles of behavior of parents, relatives, kin (concepts of what is good and what is bad, for example, what it means to be punctual, tidy, polite, etc.), values (this is about fidelity, honesty, love, and trust, etc.).

It's not difficult to accept preferences in diet, differences in lifestyle, or partner behavior, but what if we talk about stereotypes, beliefs, attitudes, or, for example, reactions to conflict situations, as well as methods of resolving them, which are explained by another culture, religion, language of communication, what then?

As an example, you can consider relationships in bilingual couples: it is very important to preserve your own language while learning your partner's language to understand them and be understood by them.

In other words, if you learn to perceive conflicts in a couple as merely inconsistencies between what is expected (what was normal in your family) and what is observed (what was normal in your partner's family), then the conflict loses its emotional component and turns from a problem into a situation. And a situation can always be changed, if there's a desire. So, where to start:

1. Accept each other. Unconditional acceptance of your partner - realizing that they have the right to their own traditions, moods, needs, emotions, traits, and desires is the secret to long and happy relationships.
2. Spend time together periodically. You don't need to plan anything grandiose, but practicing weekends in a different environment without friends, relatives, children is necessary, such experiences always positively affect relationships.
3. Trust each other. Emotional closeness doesn't fall from the sky; it is a painstaking daily effort. Listen to and hear each other, talk about your needs, and you will succeed.
4. Create your own rituals. It's simple here, understand what you like to do together - have breakfast, walk the dog, visit museums, go out into nature, etc., understand and simply enjoy doing it.
5. Common goals. Many relationships end when a common goal disappears, for instance, when children grow up and leave home. It feels like the mission is accomplished, and a sense of emptiness emerges. If this happened in your life, urgently create a new project, find mutual hobbies, etc. This will strengthen your relationship and definitely won't let you age prematurely.

These are simple rules, and they work if the situation is not exacerbated by quarrels and unspoken grievances. But if conflicts are frequent guests in your home, don't allow the relationship to break, turn to a psychologist.

Read also: Why it is harmful for a relationship when your partner is your psychologist? Or what you don't know about yourself?.

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