Relationship Tips From Couples Who've Dated For 40+ Years
You know those retired couples who always seem madly in love? Even after all those years? After interviewing a handful of 'em, they let us in on a few secrets.
-- Hold hands as often as you can.
-- When watching TV or a movie together, always be touching. Never have "your chair."
-- When fighting or expressing your concerns about something, always remind your partner that you love them.
-- Always say thank you, never come to expect anything.
-- Give each other shoulder massages a few times a week. Never ask, expect, or feel obligated, just do.
-- Don't be afraid to be the one who loves the most. If anything, compete.
-- Never try to buy affection, but that doesn't mean thoughtful gifts should be unwelcome.
-- Don't use kids and their schedules as an excuse for spending less time together. There's always a way to make significant time for each other.
-- Never stop going on dates. In fact, take turns planning "big" dates once a month that go above and behind your average dinner and a movie.
-- Kick the TV out of the bedroom. It's amazing how un-sexy watching Late Night in bed can be.
-- If someone comes clean and admits a mistake, assuming it's pretty minor, forgive them. Holding a grudge or letting a storm cloud hang over a relationship is most often a mistake.
-- Always be thinking of small things you can do for your significant other that go a long ways, like leaving a note on her windshield before she goes to work, or cooking his favorite meal after he landed a big client.
-- No one ever gets tired of hearing compliments.
-- Never talk about yourself until you've asked about them.