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.