There’s no short cut to a happy relationship. Even if it’s with the right person, it requires a lot of work from both parties.

However, it’s not as difficult as it seems. Having a great relationship isn’t rocket science. All it requires is willing hearts ready to do the following.

1. Nurture common interests

You don’t have to change your hobbies to fit in the relationship. It’s important to remain honest to yourself and not lose your identity. Still, it’s also important to spend time doing things both of you can enjoy. For example, teach him how bake a cake and let him show you how to play the Xbox. It doesn’t matter if you’re good at it, just, spend time together.

2. Communicate

In most great relationships you’ll notice that both parties are completely involved with each other's lives. It’s not being clingy, no. A long lasting relationship will require a lot of communication, speaking out small doubts, even the smallest aggravation. One of the major causes of breakups and divorce is feeling lonely in a relationship. It’s important to maintain companionship and communication if you intend to grow.

3. Hold hands when walking

There has been no scientific explanation for this but holding hands when walking brings a closer connection between couples. It shows that both of you agree and are walking in step with each other.

4. Trust and forgive each other

Its human nature to want to hold a grudge but this won’t help cultivate a good relationship. No matter what they have done, you may always have to forgive your partner and completely let go of their mistake. Otherwise, you won’t grow if you’re harboring vendettas with the person you love. In the long run, it’s going to show.

5. Check in on each other

Don’t you love it when you get surprise calls at the office from your partner? You don’t have to chat for an hour. We get it, you’ve got work to do. But, you can send a quick text to say you’re thinking about them. I bet you wouldn’t mind one too.

6. Say ‘I love you’

The most common excuse right now is that, “I don’t want to say it too many times until it loses meaning.”

Here’s the deal: If it’s true love, it won’t lose meaning. You don’t have to act all macho in front of your partner. Just say it as many times as you feel like saying it. It’s a great feeling to be loved you know.

7. Wish yours a good morning

It’s not supposed to be a responsibility. It’s just a way to let your partner know that they are an important part of your day. A simple greeting like that could brighten up their day.

8. Go to bed together

It may seem silly but you grow a deeper connection by taking a nap together. You can work around your hour to suit each other so that you have time to sleep together. Well, beyond the naughty *wink, spending time napping together brings you closer as a couple. You can plan the next day’s work, clarify anything going on in your relationship and have time to just hang out and be friends.