Have you ever dreamed of having the magic to make your relationship last longer? Is it luck or hard work?

Since the latter is probably more accurate, here are some tried and true tips from people who have enjoyed long, happy relationships.

Dates: Keep dating each other. Even if life seems too busy, meet at the end of the evening for something light and easy, like viewing your favourite sitcom (record it if necessary) together or playing a game of cards.

Space: Give each other some space. Either you trust or you don’t. Get on with life, though. People need time alone and time with their mates and other friends. Be sure to give and take your fair share of space.

Forget: No need to always remember the bad things that happened during an argument. Actively forget sometimes. Be the first to apologise and make up. Go for it!

Fun: Couples tend to have fun on dates, then get married and be too serious. Lighten up and go do something fun: mini golf, movie, bowling, or a picnic.

Disagree: Agree that it’s okay to disagree on some issues and leave it at that. No need to create a new religion or political movement just to appease both of you. You don’t have to agree on everything. And you won’t. And that’s okay.

Refresh: Take time to look back, refresh your memories and share what brought you together. Especially when times are difficult, lean back and rely on these old memories as your foundation and glue yourselves back together with them (not literally, of course!).

Memories: Make some together. Enjoy special moments, special anniversary dates and events. No need to be elaborate. For example, maybe you enjoyed watching a hot air balloon race one spring day. Next year, you might schedule time to watch it again. Make it an annual event. Collect postcards with balloons on them, playing cards, toss pillows, over time it becomes a theme.

Start now with these simple ideas to keep your relationship with your special person enjoyable.

Please let me know what you do keep the fun in your relationship.