Love is one of the most beautiful and fulfilling experiences in life, but it’s also one of the most challenging. While the initial spark of romance can come effortlessly, maintaining a deep lasting connection requires a commitment to growth, effort and intentionality on both partners. The good news is that with the right actions and habits, you can create a love that not only lasts, but thrives over time.
Whether you are newlyweds or have been married for decades, these five habits can help you build a relationship that stands the test of time. Let’s discuss these practices that can strengthen your bond and keep your love alive for years to come.
1. Prioritize Quality Time
In the everyday hustle and bustle of life, it’s very easy to let quality time between you and your partner fall by the wayside. Between the kids, work, and other responsibilities, finding moments to connect can become a challenge. But if you want your love to last, making time for eachother is non negotiable.
Quality time isn’t just about being in the same room, it’s about being fully present and engaged with each other. This means putting away distractions like phones, laptops and even TV and focusing solely on yourselves. Whether it’s a weekly date night, morning walks, or simply sitting together and talking, these moments of connection are important for maintaining intimacy and emotional closeness.
A practical way to prioritise quality time is to schedule it. Just as you would schedule a meeting or appointment, set aside time for your relationship. This could be regular date nights, a weekend getaway, or even daily rituals like sharing a cup of morning coffee. The main thing is to make it consistent and meaningful.
When you prioritise quality time, you are sending a very powerful message to your partner “You are important to me, and our relationship is a priority.” This simple habit can strengthen your bond and keep your love alive, even in the stressful seasons of life.
2. Forgive & Resolve Issues Quickly
No relationship is perfect, and conflicts are inevitable. What matters is how you handle them. If you want your love to last, it’s important to forgive quickly and resolve issues immediately before they escalate.
Holding onto grudges or allowing unresolved conflicts to fester can lead to resentment and create a distance in your relationship. On the other hand, addressing issues promptly and with a spirit of forgiveness can build trust and strengthen your connection.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean you should ignore or excuse hurtful behaviours, it means you should choose to let go of anger and resentment so you can move forward together. This requires empathy, humility and a willingness to see things from your partner’s perspective.
When conflicts arise, focus on finding solutions rather than apportioning blame. Openly express your feelings, listen actively to your partner’s perspective, and work together to find a resolution strategy that works for both of you. By addressing issues quickly and with love, you can easily prevent small disagreements from turning into major issues.
3. Touch a Lot
Physical touch is a powerful way to express love and strengthen your connection. From holding hands to hugging, kissing and cuddling, touch releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which increases feelings of love and affection.
In the early stages of most relationships, physical touch often comes naturally. But as time goes on it’s very easy to let this aspect of your relationship fizzle out. If you want your love to last, make a conscious effort to include more touch into your everyday life.
This doesn’t have to be grand gestures; even small acts of physical affection can make a huge difference. A gentle touch on the arm, a warm hug or a loving kiss can communicate love and reassurance in a way that words often can’t.
Physical touch is especially needed during difficult times. When your partner is feeling stressed, overwhelmed or sad, a simple hug can provide comfort and remind them that they are not alone. By making touch a regular part of your relationship, you can keep the spark alive and deepen your emotional connection.
4. Love God First and He Will Help You Love Your Spouse Better
For most couples, faith is the bedrock of their relationship. When you love God first, you are creating a strong foundation for your marriage. By seeking God’s guidance and relying on his strength, you can love your spouse more deeply and selflessly.
Loving God first means prioritising your relationship with him through prayers, worship and studying his word. As you grow closer to God, you will find that your ability to love your spouse increases. You will be more patient, more forgiving and more willing to put your partner’s needs above your own.
Praying together as a couple is another powerful way to strengthen your marriage. When you bring your hopes, fears, and challenges to God together, you are inviting him into your marriage and aligning your hearts with his will. This shared spiritual connection can deepen your bond and help you through life’s challenges as a team.
Remember, God designed marriage to reflect his love for us. When you love him first, you will find that your love for each other becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.
5. Play and Laugh Often
Laughter is inarguably the best medicine, and it’s also one of the best ways to keep your love alive. When you laugh together, you create positive memories, reduce stress, and strengthen your emotional connection.
Being playful and having a good sense of humour are important ingredients for a happy, healthy relationship. Whether it’s sharing inside jokes, playing games or simply being silly together, these moments of joy can bring you closer and reminds you of why you fell in love in the first place. You will love this 60 Fun Games and activities you can do together as a couple.
Make it a habit to find reasons to laugh everyday. Find time to watch a funny movie, reminisce about funny moments from your past or try something new and adventurous together. Even in the midst of the challenges of life, finding light hearted moments can help you stay connected with your partner and keep your relationship strong.
Laughter also helps you maintain perspective. When you can laugh together, you are less likely to make a mountain out of small issues and focus more on your love for each other.
Wrapping Up
Finally, making your love last isn’t about perfect moments and grand gestures; it’s about the small consistent habits that builds a strong enduring relationship. By prioritising quality time, forgiving quickly, touching a lot, loving God first and laughing more, you can create a love that grows deeper and stronger each year.
Remember, love is a choice, one that you make every day. It’s about showing up for each other, even when it’s hard and choosing to nurture your connection through the ups and downs of life.
As you incorporate these habits into your relationship, you will find that your love has become more resilient, joyful and fulfilling. If you think your marriage needs some reconnection, you feel like roommates and not lovers, I recommend you join The 28 Days Lovers Again Challenge! It starts on March 1st!
