Written by Chris Harley, Mental Health Specialist
Chris Harley is passionate about improving the lives of others through his work and enjoys sharing advice around mental health practices.
Our modern world is increasingly technology-centric, and our human interactions have moved largely online. People all over the world are meeting through dating apps, online chat rooms, and virtual spaces, with an estimated 7 in 10 US adults having met online in some capacity. But what does this mean for those looking to build a lasting partnership reinforced with the strongest bonds?
The key to a successful and enduring relationship lies in a few cornerstone elements like trust, respect, commitment, and mutual understanding. No matter how many people meet with the help of the internet, these remain crucial elements for creating a successful and lasting bond.
Whether you’re just starting your journey with a new partner or have been together for years and are looking to restructure and reinforce your existing relationship, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy a new level of closeness, deepen your love, and build newfound respect for one another.
Let’s take a look at how to create a strong bond with your partner and find new ways of loving and respecting your significant other, hopefully finding everlasting bliss.
More than just a ring
Some journeys that we undertake with people are not destined to be long-term, but every now and then, something magical happens, and you realize that this connection is for life.
An engagement ring is the first step in a lifelong journey and helps to solidify your commitment to your new partner, but it’s much more than just a ring.
Promises of love, commitment, and trust can all be represented by an engagement ring. As your relationship bond progresses into marriage and whatever steps come next, that ring will become synonymous with your bond.
Use the engagement period to set goals together and focus on deepening your connection. It's a time of celebration and joy, so let your natural happiness bring you closer than ever, align your goals, and ensure your bond is forever.
The heartbeat of every strong relationship
There is one key word in every relationship that is often overlooked: communication.
Some couples can be together for decades without having mastered communication, and relationships will always suffer when their members feel unheard, frustrated, or confused.
Being as open as possible is crucial in building a foundation upon which communication can flourish. You’re about to spend your life with this person, so being open and honest should be something you strive to do naturally.
You’ll also find that communication is not just about talking; it’s about listening with empathy, understanding what you’re hearing, and being there for your significant other. It’s easy enough to ask about each other’s day or carelessly catch up, but a real conversation should be something you make an effort to have on a regular basis.
Check in with each other regularly, ask about anxieties, stressors, and the needs of your partner. Use these conversations to practise active listening, and truly being there for someone.
Shared goals: Building your future together
Having shared goals does not mean you and your partner have to work together on the same projects, want all the same things, or even hold the same beliefs, although most will share at least some of these elements.
Having shared goals can range from the simplest things, like saving for a dream holiday, to the most complex career aspirations or family ideals. For the smaller things, like holiday destinations, compromises can be made, goals can be set together, and things don’t always have to work out perfectly.
For bigger things, like having children, starting a business, or securing financial stability, it’s extremely important to ensure that your goals are at least aligned. If, for example, one partner does not want children and the other does, this can lead to resentment, miscommunication, and even separation.
Discuss your dreams openly and create a roadmap together. Remember, compromises are key, and your happiness as a couple is the ultimate goal.
Making the moments matter
Time really flies by, particularly in today’s modern world, so try not to get caught up in the hustle and be sure to make time for each other.
This is foundational advice and can be implemented at any level. For example, make sure that part of your morning routine includes checking in with your partner—asking how they slept, discussing your plans for the day, and telling them you love them. It’s a simple step that will become something that brings you closer and closer as the years go by.
Mindfulness is something we should all practice in our daily lives, and it essentially teaches us to be truly present in the moment. Imagine enjoying a gorgeous sunset with your life partner, only to have the serenity broken by checking your phone. Our minds are constantly processing things that have already happened, things we worry might happen in the future, and a whole heap of other distractions. Mindfulness will bring you right back to the present, allowing you to enjoy simply being.
This technique can help you not only improve your personal life but also truly enjoy beautiful moments together, strengthening your spiritual connection and creating lifelong memories.
5 quick tips for a lasting partnership
1. Embrace change together
Change is inevitable. People grow and change, just like relationships. Be open to it, adapt as a couple, and don’t fight the things you can’t control. Accept the things that make you who you are—it will make your lives a lot easier.
2. Foster trust
As we already know, trust is one of the key elements of any strong partnership. Keep your promises, no matter how small, be honest with each other, and help curate an atmosphere of security. Trust must be earned before it is given.
3. Prioritize emotional intimacy
Emotional intimacy is an integral part of the fibers that bind us together. It goes beyond the physical and is all about truly knowing your partner's feelings. Vulnerability is crucial and must not be feared; we can learn so much from it. Share your deepest desires, fears, and dreams with each other, and enjoy the depth of the bond this produces.
4. Have fun together
When things get difficult, or we get bogged down with our own lives, it can be all too easy to stop enjoying each other. Make jokes, be playful, and bring out the smiles in each other. Having a light and joyful relationship should be everyone’s end goal.
5. Be each other’s support system
Nothing is easy in this life; there will be ups, downs, tragedies, and successes. Be there for each other. Be your partner’s biggest cheerleader when things are great, and be their rock when dark days come knocking. Your partner must know that they can always rely on you.
Growing together for a lifetime
Here is the proofread version of the text with corrections for grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure while preserving the author's tone and style:
For those who have been wondering how to build a lasting bond, we now know it is not something that can be achieved with ease. It takes two people to communicate effectively, provide real support, have patience, show understanding, enjoy each other, and share a genuine love for one another.
It’s something that can be achieved through small, everyday acts, as well as big gestures or moments that require true bravery. A bond is made stronger by two people trusting each other implicitly, supporting each other at all times, and being vulnerable enough to learn each other’s souls.
Build your own lasting partnership with the tips above, and reap the rewards as you enjoy a happy, supportive, and lengthy relationship with your favorite person.
Read more from Chris Harley
Chris Harley, Mental Health Specialist
Chris has a background in clinical psychology. When Chris isn't researching the latest holistic and wellbeing therapies, he's spending time with his two cats, usually curled up on the sofa and reading a murder mystery book.
