A happy relationship that lasts is going to require work. Everyday you have to maintain it. Whether that is by texting each other loving messages or making each other laugh, there are always things you and your spouse can do to make your relationship last. Check out our five suggestions and add your own recommendation in the comments below.

They laugh and have fun.

Don’t take yourselves too seriously. Watch funny shows over dinner, have inside jokes, introduce your spouse to a new hobby, talk in silly voices, play video games together or scrabble. The point is to keep each other laughing and having fun as a couple.

They learn to argue.

Even happy couples argue sometimes. What you don’t want to do is fight. Fighting is trading insults, not listening to your partner, expressing mean comments and pretty much being destructive. Nothing kills a relationship faster than constantly taking nasty swipes at each other. If you want to have a healthy, long-lasting relationship learn to argue, not fight. Arguing is focusing on finding a solution. Even if you’re angry listen to what the other person has to say, be respectful even if you have been wronged, and admit if you did something wrong and apologize. If the argument is turning into a ‘fight’ take a break, walk outside, take a shower, ask for a few minutes to cool off,  anything to just clear your mind, then revisit the topic with a clear head.

They keep in touch throughout the day.

Text your partner to see how they are doing or send them a cute email to see how their day is going. It’s nice gesture to subtly let them know that you care and that you’re thinking about them. If they’re having a bad day, you can plan something fun to cheer them up, or have their favorite wine ready for when they get home.

They are spontaneous.

When you have been together for a long time habits form and sometimes is hard to break them and let loose. Spice things up by finding new ways to do things that are different from what you’re used to. Go on an out of the blue road trip, vacation at a different place this year (or stay home and have a staycation), or just spend time together without making concrete plans. You can stay at hotel in your town and be a tourist in your own city. The world is a big place, and there are tons places that you guys can explore together to get out of the same-old routine.

They give each other space.

You need to have your own life! Spending too much time together is not the healthiest thing to do. You need space to miss each other, growth and focus on yourself. Don’t depend on your partner to be happy. Find what makes you smile without the involvement of your spouse. Explore new hobbies, have a girls’ or guys’ night-out and spend time alone doing the things that you love.