As The Beatles once said, “all you need is love!” The truth is that love is one of the most beautiful things you can achieve in life, yet it’s not as easy as we might like to think. Achieving love is not a simple thing that you simply do and “call it a day.”

Love requires a continuous effort to flourish, and total honesty. Whether you’ve just started your relationship, or you’re living in an assisted living facility with someone you’ve been married to for 50 years, here are some of the best tips to make your love last.

Communicate Openly

Communication is everything, whether it’s a friendship or a romantic relationship. It’s the very foundation of any connection, and you should be able to express your thoughts and feelings openly.

Remember, communication is not just about what you say, but also what you hear. You should also listen to your partner, and pay full attention when they’re communicating. Showing empathy and understanding is a whole different level of intimacy that many people have never even tried out. Yet in truth, words and communication can be even more intimate than physical touch if you do it right.

Maintain Romance

Romance is an incredibly important part of keeping your love alive, since romance is what sets a couple apart from friends. Remember, romance isn’t just for the early stages of your relationship, but should be prioritized well into the middle of your relationship! 

Even the smallest acts of love can make a significant difference in your connection, and ultimately keep your spark alive as the years go by. Try to prioritize spending time alone together, especially if you have kids. This isn’t always easy, yet, if you want to keep your connection alive, you must spend time one-on-one where you listen and you’re 100% present. 

Another important part of keeping the romance alive is maintaining physical affection.  From holding hands to kissing and hugging,  intimacy is incredibly important on a physical level as well as mental.

Support your Partner

Patience and support is everything when it comes to a love that lasts forever. No one is perfect, and the couples that stay together are the ones that support each other even through the hard times. They have patience and remain committed even on the hard days. 

Encouraging your partner is one of the best things you can do to grow together and stay connected even when times are tough. In turn, your partner should do the same thing. The more you can grow together and share experiences on the good days and bad days, the more you’ll create a connection that will stand the test of time.