What makes a relationship last long

7 Easy Ways to Make Your Relationship Last No matter how long you’ve been together, there are some simple, fundamental rules of the road. Putting them into practice isn’t always easy, but it is critical. Make your relationship stronger, and the good stuff—fun, sex, trust, affection—will be better than ever. 1. Be Vocal About Things You Like Boredom, frustration and everyday irritations can douse the spark between you and your partner — and more of the same certainly won’t feed the flame. Making the good stuff your top priority will. First, consider that it takes up to 20 positive statements to outweigh the harm done by one negative one. So compliment your girlfriend on her new shoes, or your boyfriend on his new blue shirt. Thank him for helping around the house. Dial her office for a quick “thinking of you” check-in. Be sure these compliments and thank-you’s are heartfelt and specific, and make eye contact when you smile. Once you take this approach, you’ll realize that, in additi...