Lucky 7: Lessons Learned from a 7-Year Relationship

As someone who has been in a long-term relationship for seven years (whew, we made it), I can honestly say that relationships are hard work. But with the right amount of effort and communication, they can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Love is a Verb

You can’t just claim to love someone and expect that to be enough. Love requires action. You need to show your partner you care about them by prioritizing their needs, supporting them through tough times, and simply being there for them when they need you.

Communication is Key

If you’re not communicating effectively with your partner, then what’s the point? Whether it’s discussing important life decisions or simply talking about how your day went at work – keep those lines of communication open!

Honesty is Non-Negotiable

Don’t lie to your significant other! Yes, some secrets may seem small and harmless (like eating all the ice-cream without saving any in reserve) but even if something seems like nothing – do yourself (and them) a favor by coming clean.

Trust Takes Time To Build

It takes time (sometimes YEARS) to build trust with another person; don’t ruin it over something as small as lying or hiding something unnecessary from one another.

Flexibility + Adaptability = Survival

Relationships require flexibility (+a decent dose of adaptability). Being stubborn won’t only make things more difficult than needed- compromising on disagreements will help strengthen the connection between each other instead of causing un-needed stress.

Shared Interests Aren’t As Important As Common Values

Interest doesn’t overlap completely in all aspects so never punish yourselves when interests inevitably fluctuate over time – focus on what makes up both individuals values as human beings pretty sure that’s why opposites attract!

Comfortable ≠ Boring

In long-term relationships, people often confuse comfort with boredom. While the two can certainly overlap, you can consistently switch things up and create further comfort without lessening your attraction/happiness levels.

Keep Romance Alive

You may not be those couples who have an endless stream of dates but keep romance alive. Random texts checking on them during a work hectic day, surprising them for no reason or simply snuggling while watching Netflix – they all add up!

Take Responsibility In Arguments

Even if it’s hard (and it really will get tough sometimes) Admit where/how one was wrong in that situation- leads to setting boundaries so that both individuals respect each other better

Challenge Each Other

There’s nothing wrong with just sitting around being comfortable (see above) however its important for both individuals to still push themselves & achieve goals as well chase after their dreams and seeing each others progress

Remember You’re A Team

Communication minus trust equals disaster. Avoid calling names/putting blame when disagreements occur

Unconditional Love Isn’t Always Enough

Remember – love isn’t enough on its own; at times we need support networks from family/groups/professional help too.

Remind yourself and your partner about this whenever needed:

Even On The Tough Days
“They’re Your Person”

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Like they said in that book by Richard Carlson: ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff’ cause honestly most trivial-problems every person has encountered aren’t even worth holding onto!

These were just a few lessons I’ve learned along my journey of seven years – some easier than others! While every relationship is different there are definitely common threads throughout many of them- communication, honesty etc. (now don’t go forward thinking “Oh wow everything seems easy now!”. Trust me when I say, there will still be tough days!).

Just remember this (and I promise to try my best, too): relationships are worth it in the end.

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