Everyone wants a happy, long-lasting marriage, and yet this isn’t always the case. We want to cultivate an atmosphere of trust and honesty, but we get bogged down by responsibilities, kids, other obligations, and our own insecurities along the way.

Relationships are difficult, and we all go through ups and downs in our long-term relationships. Whether you have been dating someone for a while or are married, relationships go through lulls where it seems like getting out is a better plan than staying together.

True and lasting relationships are built on trust, mutual satisfaction, respect, love, communication, and shared goals. As we grow together in a relationship, some of these goals seem to get lost in the day to day realities of our lives. It’s important to take time to check in with your partner, to remember why you love them, and to continue growing together instead of apart.

When we struggle in relationships, it can be hard to have fun with one another while working through challenges. When dealing with relationship strife, it’s important to not break one another down, but to become empowered to make your relationship the best it can be. By working together, you can figure out ways to move forward together and strengthen your relationship one day at a time.

Change in your relationship comes by moving forward, not by bringing up things from the past.

Relationship counselling, or relationship therapy, can be helpful for many couples who are dealing with difficulties in their relationship. Talking to a third party can be incredibly beneficial and allow you to see one another with new eyes. Find a therapist who can give you advice as well as relate to the real world experiences you and your partner are going through.

If you want your relationship to be happy and strong for many years to come, do what you need to do in order to grow and thrive. Finding lasting happiness isn’t out of reach.