These are the 10 things you should avoid if you want love that lasts.

1. Do not neglect your friendships

Perhaps you are dating your soulmate. One-hundred percent of the time, you know that the man or women you are with is "the one." But they may not be the only one. Your extended family includes your friends. Even if you have found the one you will spend the rest of the life with, your friends deserve your love and attention. You will have your ups and downs with your partner, but your friends will be there for you in times of need. They will listen to your problems, and remind you that you can get through them. Your friends will understand you and help you navigate the challenges of building and maintaining long-term relationships. Your mental health and your relationship depend on your friendships.

2. Don't forget who you are as a person.

It doesn't matter if you are one of the happy couples. It is possible to integrate your life with the lives of another person without becoming them. It is important to have a sense for yourself, even if you are closer to your partner. It is healthy for a couple to have their own interests and allow each other some space.

3. Compromise your beliefs.

As you go to bed each night, remember that you are alone with your thoughts. For most of your time on this planet, it's you who must answer. Don't fall for the trap of thinking that your partner and you must agree on all. Don't believe that happy couples are identical in all ways. It's perfectly normal to feel attracted to someone who doesn't share your values. Happy couples are able to respect one another enough to allow for differences.

4. Refuse to apologize.

It's okay to say "I'm sorry" if you want a long-lasting, healthy relationship. Even if you win the fight and feel that you are right, find a reason for these simple, but powerful words. You can take responsibility for your part in any argument that you have had, in whatever snide comment you made or in whatever manner you failed to act as graciously and respectfully as you could. You might need to be honest with yourself and maybe even have to let go of your ego. But there are always reasons for you to apologize. Refusing to admit any wrongdoing is a dangerous move. Refusing to admit any wrongdoing and standing firm will cause damage to your relationship.

5. Refrain from asking forgiveness

Forgiveness is not something to be ashamed of. It's not easy to apologize. Recognize your partner's courage and offer forgiveness. Your relationship with someone you love is not irreparable. Although it might seem difficult, forgiveness is the best way to move forward. If you are having difficulty accepting your partner's apology, keep in mind that you too are flawed and have erred before.

6. Insult your partner's family.

It doesn't really matter how mad your partner is about their mother, father, sister, brother, or cousin. You don't have the right to gossip about other people's relatives. Listen to your partner and accept their frustrations. However, when it comes down to someone's immediate family it is important to distinguish between being supportive or being proactive negative. Family members will drive each other insane, but they'll also forgive each other. Be careful when you make a negative comment about your partner's mom to show support, especially if they are in the middle of a fight that they will most likely resolve.

7. When they say, "No gifts," listen.

Sometimes, we underestimate the impact a simple act of kindness can have on us. Although we may think that we don't require anything special, each one of us should feel special from time to time. Make sure you have something to give your partner before their birthday or any other important holidays. Even if they insist that there are no presents, it doesn't matter. It's important to show your love by thoughtful gestures even if you're told not to. It doesn't matter if you spend a lot of money, or not at all. But you need to give it some thought.

8. Speak the thing that you aren't supposed to.

There is a darker side to your smiley face and bright smile that you show the world every day. It is part of human nature. Even about those we love, we can think of terrible things. There would be chaos if everyone said the same thing all the time. This is why we don't all share our thoughts. While it can be difficult to not speak out when you are in a fight with your partner, there is a price to pay for letting a really negative comment slip. You'll hurt them more than you intended and will make you feel worse about it. It is important to resist the temptation to say something you know you shouldn't.

9. Believe that any problem can be overcome.

Don't underestimate your potential to grow together. It doesn't matter what you are going through at the moment, it might seem overwhelming. But there is strength in the bond of love that two people choose to make every day. Remember that you are all together for a purpose and that you can be stronger together. You can overcome any difficulty you are facing. All you need to do is believe you can achieve your goals. Trust your partner in the face of challenges. Your relationship will be stronger if you have faith in it.

10. Tell your partner what you feel good about being in bed.

It is counterproductive to tell lies about your bedroom. It's not a good idea to praise your partner for doing things you don't like. You can make a poor sex life by pretending that something is rousing, . The physical aspects of a relationship matter. Communicate openly in bed and let your partner know you are there to help you.