This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
We all want to be in loving, secure, and committed relationships. But maintaining such a relationship can be elusive to many. So how do healthy, committed relationships stay that way? This question is at the forefront when discussing the topic of relationship permanence.
But, what is relationship permanence, and how can it be achieved? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the importance of committed relationships and how to succeed at creating them.
What Is Relationship Permanence?
Relationship permanence measures how much a couple is committed to each other. For example, if a couple has been together for years or decades, then there is strong relationship permanence. It means that the relationship is likely to last a lifetime as the commitment and bond between the couple are strong.
Relationship permanence is often the goal for many people looking for love. But why is it so important, and how can it be achieved? The next couple of sections will address these questions.
Why Is Relationship Permanence Important?
Relationship permanence is important because it affects so much more than the duration of a relationship. Strong, healthy, committed relationships are good for mental health and the well-being of everyone involved in the relationship (including children). Read on to learn why.
The Relationship Tends To Be More Satisfying
Good relationship permanence is often due to the relationship being healthy and both partners being committed to one another. To make this happen, the partners are not just lovers but also best friends. They enjoy being with each other and are not just together to avoid loneliness or because they are sexually attracted to each other. This means that the couple is more likely to experience satisfaction with their relationship.
However, it is important to note that relationship permanence does not just mean a relationship lasts a long time. It must be stable and healthy, with both partners but in effort into the commitment. Unfortunately, there are many relationships that stay together out of convenience and, therefore, do not experience great satisfaction.
Better Mental Health
Those who are satisfied with their relationship are more likely to experience good mental health. This is critical for their overall happiness and the satisfaction and stability of other areas of their life.
Also, relationship permanence is critical for the stability and good mental health of any children involved. Children are more likely to be mentally healthy and happy if they come from a happy home. Healthy marriages and relationships provide the stability that is so crucial for a child’s well-being. Conversely, children who grow up surrounded by unhealthy relationships may experience more mental health concerns and other problems down the line.
Affects Attachment Styles
Furthermore, good relationship permanence can help the development of secure attachment styles. Through commitment and lots of work, a couple can learn to be securely attached to one another, which is a huge factor for success in relationships. Even if one or both people in the relationship started with an insecure attachment, they might be able to heal or work through their insecurities or flaws and develop a healthier attachment and connection to their partner.
Furthermore, good relationship permanence also encourages secure attachments in children. Children who witness their parents having a healthy love and relationship with each other are more likely to mimic those healthy habits and behaviors in their relationships in adulthood.
To learn more about attachment styles and how they affect relationships, check out these resources provided by BetterHelp.
Tips For Good Relationship Permanence
Relationship permanence does not come by accident or fate. Though two people can feel like soulmates, they still need to put in the effort to solidify the commitment. But how do they do this? Here are a few tips that committed couples follow to achieve relationship permanence.
Open Communication
All good relationships include good communication. If either partner is holding secrets or deceiving their loved ones, the relationship is bound to be rocky and not last long. Open communication fosters trust and deeper bonding, which are essential for commitment.
Make Time For Each Other
As the years go on, partners get busy with kids, careers, and other responsibilities. This can all make it much more difficult to take time for each other as they did at the beginning of the relationship.
Therefore, as time goes on, you will need to put in effort to schedule activities together. Maybe you can go to the gym or run every morning together. Or perhaps, you can schedule weekly date nights. Find ways to spend time together, and your bond will deepen with time.
Be Best Friends With Each Other
When people envision the perfect relationship, they focus on the romance and physical attraction involved. However, lifelong commitments are not romantic 100% of the time. When the passion begins to fade, you will need other reasons to stick together.
That’s why it’s important to find a partner that you’re friends with in addition to being lovers. This is where a lot of the effort comes in. Take time to do activities together and talk often to learn about each other’s likes, wants, and dreams. Doing so will create a much deeper bond than sexual or physical attraction can achieve.
Don’t Force Yourself To Be With The Wrong Person
Though there are numerous benefits to being in a long-term relationship, that doesn’t mean you should force yourself to be with someone that isn’t a good fit. Many people have volatile or unhappy relationships because they feel that commitment is more important than happiness. Relationship permanence is about the well-being of the couple, not just the length of the relationship.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, relationship permanence is critical for the mental health and happiness of the couple and anyone else involved with the relationship (such as children). However, it takes hard work and effort to create such a commitment. Hopefully, this article helped you understand the importance of relationship permanence and what it takes to achieve it.
