How to build a lasting relationship

Communicate Effectively

Learn how to listen effectively. This means preparing to hear the message of your partner and not to prepare your defense. Find a time and place where you can be without distractions and focus only on what your partner is saying. Make eye contact, nod your head when you agree and show you are attentive.

Trust your partner

Can you count on your partner as the "ROCK" in your life? For some trust is a complicated matter. Some people trust blindly while others have trust issues. Evaluate your partner's trustworthiness based not upon unproven promises or wishful thinking, but on a strong overall record of dependability.

Open up

The biggest "relationship pitfall" is that the things which first create attraction between a man and a woman are usually not enough to keep attraction thriving for the long term. This is why it's critical that a man be willing to open himself up to a woman, sharing exactly how he feels and what he wants at all times. When he does, two major relationship reinforcing events occur.

Respect

Save harsh words even during arguments. You can't take back what's been said. When you say something hurtful to your partner you send the message that a disagreement is equivalent to a war.

Compromise

Not every issue needs to turn into a battle. There will be some that need to be talked out, some are not to be said and some that just end up not being important compared to what you gain from the relationship.

Resolve conflict and crisis

Be prepared to put the work in.You can accomplish this by addressing any problem with your partner. You will never be perfect nor can you you expect this from a partner. There will always be issues that come up and you can either learn to treat them as you would any other obstacles or you can hide them until they balloon into a huge problem.

Make your values and needs known

Be sure to clearly define what you need from a partner and what what you intend to give out. Communicate your desires simply by saying something to the effect of "CHARITY" is really important to me. What can we do to honor that moving forward?" Its a myth that you do not need to tell your partner what you value and need. You ar mistaken to think that simply because your partner loves you, he or she should know what you need. Mind reading is impossible and the expectation of it merely hinders your growth.

Work through problems as a team

Relationships are about "WE" and not "I" or"YOU". Focus on honest communication to work through problems together with room for each of you to give and take. Learn from each other instead of working against one another.