Have you ever wanted to know the secrets to why some couples just seem to ‘work?  

Why they seem to stay so in love even when they’ve been together for years?  

When you run your own business, the stress of balancing a thriving business with a happy relationship and home life can take its toll.

But remember…

2 Essential Ingredients for a Happy Relationship

These two things are easier to have in your relationship than you might think - with just a bit of attention, they really can make your relationship incredible.  

And you haven’t already found your ideal match, the great news is - you don’t need to wait until you’re in a relationship.

You can prepare for the best relationship of your life by giving attention to one of these right away.  

They work and it’s not just my opinion. In fact, these were discovered during rigorous research by other Relationship Therapists when they studied the difference between couples who break up and those who have long-term, intimate, loving partnerships.  

1.  Stay Good Friends

Friendship and generosity to each other is vital.  

Have you ever felt that your lover is also your best friend?  It’s a beautiful feeling, isn’t it?

Friendship really is the foundation of a great relationship. 

How you stay good friends:

• Make time to be with each other.
• Talk - openly and deeply.  Share your feelings, your hopes and your dreams together.
• Share common interests. 
• Be kind and generous towards your partner.
• Laugh together. 
• Play together.

2.  Make Sex a Priority

It’s not some magical chemistry or biological trait that helps couples maintain passion and intimacy in the bedroom.  Quite simply, it’s making sex a priority.  

We know that sex can be such a beautiful, bonding part of a relationship.  And unfortunately, for many couples, it fades out and can even cause tension. 

So many couples I work with wish that it could once again be a source of joy, ease and connection in their relationship, but they aren’t sure how to go about it.  

And it’s tough.  Life gets in the way.  We’re busy.  We don’t know how to get things back on track in the bedroom.  Or perhaps they never really were that great, you just didn’t know what to do about it?

Most people’s sex lives don’t stay the way they were when we first got together – especially after children come along.  That’s normal.  But although our sex lives won’t stay the same, they can still be passionate, enjoyable and loving.  

How do you make sex a priority?

• Make time for it the way you make time for other important things in your life.  Maybe that means turning off the TV early a couple of nights a week or scheduling a bedroom date the way you schedule other dates for your personal and professional life.
• Communicate to make sure you’re both enjoying it.
• Discover what you can do to make it even better for both of you.
• Become comfortable with sex.
• Explore your sensuality.

Don’t expect things to change immediately, but with some focus and commitment, you can turn things around for the better.

Isiah McKimmie is a Relationship Therapist and Sexologist who has been helping individuals and couples improve their sex lives and relationships for over 7 years. You can connect with her via her website or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.