No relationship is perfect, and we need to make sure we are constantly working at being the best version of ourselves. But we all need a little help now and then, so here’s our 6 secrets to maintaining a happy relationship. 

• Be supportive

If you love your partner, then their happiness is your happiness. But so goes the same for sadness. And pain, anger, the list goes on. If you truly want to be happy in your relationship, you will make sure you do all you can to support your partner. You will both go through ups and downs, but as long as you stand by each other with love, care and patience, you can always make your way back to happiness, no matter the problem.

• Communication is key

The trick here is knowing how you both feel. When you communicate, you can understand your partner more, are able to make better decisions, and take better action in your relationship. You both want to be on the same page, as well as be in tune with each other’s feelings. Encouraging transparency in your communication will make it more honest, and avoid misunderstandings, resentment and unnecessary arguments. Your relationship will inevitably change as you both grow throughout your lives, so keeping communication open and positive is how you learn to grow together, not apart.

• Space

You can be soul mates who could spend every waking moment together, but you must choose not to. Maintaining your own lives, pursuing your own dreams and investing in your own hobbies and interests is crucial for any happy relationship. Spend time alone from each other, or with others, but don’t be joined at the hip. This encourages codependency, which is never healthy. You must be able to function without each other if you want to be happy.  

• Accepting who they are

You must share certain values if you are to be happy with someone, for example about what is right and wrong, or how you should be in a relationship. But difference is healthy when it comes to personalities, because your partner will help you to grow. They won’t always do what you want or be how you want, but you must accept them for who they are. Sure we always should try to improve ourselves, but if you find yourself wanting to change things about them that aren’t based on positive personal development, you may have a problem. 

• Recognising it will hurt sometimes

The strongest, happiest relationships are the ones that have been tested. And things can’t always be smiles and rainbows. There will be times when you hurt each other. We, as human beings, are hopelessly imperfect. So you’ll both make mistakes, say things you don’t mean, and do things you regret. Try to love with softness and forgiveness, and be prepared for it to hurt sometimes. That’s how you become truly happy, when you take the good with the bad, and still choose your partner.

• Don’t just say it, show it

Last, but not least, you need to show your partner that you love them, and that they’re important to you. Thoughtful gestures, surprises and real effort will keep your partner happy more than words can say. Actions really do speak louder than words, and the more you say “I love you” with actions, the happier you will be together. It really is that simple.