Building a relationship that stands the test of time doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, effort, love, and respect. It’s not necessarily hard, but it does require effort. Great relationships are built through small, meaningful steps taken daily. Here are seven practical ways you and your partner can start today to ensure a long-lasting relationship well into the future.
1. Practice Open, Honest Communication
When something’s on your mind, don’t assume your partner knows. Share your thoughts, feelings, and even your struggles. Proverbs 12:22 reminds us, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Being honest with each other builds trust and keeps you connected.
2. Show Appreciation
It’s easy to get comfortable in your relationship and take each other for granted, even without realizing it. If you want to build a long-lasting relationship, it’s important not to become passive in expressing your appreciation. Learn each other’s love languages, and then use them to show you care in ways that truly speak to each other's hearts. If their love language is words of affirmation, tell them how much they mean to you. If it's acts of service, do something thoughtful like helping with a task they’ve been dreading. These little actions go a long way in making your partner feel valued and loved.
3. Get Really Good at Listening
Sometimes, you’re quick to think of the next thing to say while your partner is talking. It’s okay — it happens to the best of us. But part of building a solid relationship foundation is learning how to slow down and just listen. James 1:19 encourages us, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” A listening ear shows that you value their thoughts and feelings.
4. Spend Quality Time Together
Sure, life can get busy, but reconnecting doesn’t have to be complicated. Take a walk, cook dinner together, or just sit and talk — without your phones (that’s key!). Time spent together, even in simple ways, keeps you both engaged with each other’s lives.
5. Pray For and With Each Other
When you invite God into your relationship, you’re building on the firmest foundation possible. Praying for each other and with each other not only strengthens your connection with Him but also with one another. Make it a habit to go to God first with everything — all your hurts and needs, hopes and dreams, fears and victories. When you keep God at the center of your relationship, it can stand the test of time.
6. Forgive Freely
No one’s perfect (including you). When mistakes happen, choose forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Holding onto grudges only weighs you both down, while forgiveness gives you room to grow closer. It’s not always easy, but it’s always the right choice and the only way to build a long-lasting relationship.
7. Prioritize Your Friendship in the Relationship
At the heart of every great relationship is a solid friendship. Invest time in getting to know each other on a deeper level — not just as a romantic partner, but as a friend you can trust and lean on. Do things you both enjoy, share your hobbies, and support each other’s dreams. Be the kind of friend who listens without judgment and offers encouragement when it’s needed.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” When your relationship is rooted in friendship, it creates a foundation for a long-lasting relationship.
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