12 Pieces of Relationship Advice You’ll Ever Need

Table of Contents

1. Let’s Talk About Love
2. Be Together for the Right Reasons
3. The First Year of Marriage Sets the Tone
4. Love Changes—And That’s Normal
5. Respect > Communication
6. Give Each Other Space
7. If You’re Worried He’s Losing Interest, Do This
8. Learn to Fight the Right Way
9. The Little Things Matter (More Than You Think)
10. Keep Dating Each Other (Even When Life Gets Crazy)
11. Trust Is Built in the Small Moments
12. Pick Your Battles
13. Love Is a Daily Choice
14. Final Thought: Love Takes Effort

Let’s Talk About Love (and What Actually Makes It Last)

A while back, I had a realization: we all want great relationships, but most of us are just winging it. So, instead of guessing, I decided to go straight to the source.

I asked 1,500 people—who have been happily married for over a decade—for their best relationship advice. And if that wasn’t enough, I also asked people who had been through divorce what went wrong.

The results? A flood of wisdom, honesty, and a surprising amount of consistency. Turns out, lasting love isn’t some mystical, unattainable secret. It’s built on a handful of simple but crucial principles.

So, whether you’re in your first year of marriage (which, by the way, matters more than you think) or years into a long-term relationship wondering "Does he still love me?", this guide is for you.

Here’s what 1,500 people taught me about making love last.

2. The First Year of Marriage Sets the Tone

People say the first year of marriage is a "honeymoon phase." They lie.

Your first year together is actually one of the most critical. It’s when you set habits—good or bad.

Common struggles in year one:

• Learning how to argue without destroying each other.

• Balancing independence with partnership.

• Dealing with real-life stress (bills, work, responsibilities).

The couples who figured it out early? They thrived. The ones who didn’t? Many of them struggled for years—or didn’t make it at all.

The secret? Approach your first year like training for a lifelong marathon. Learn how to communicate, set boundaries, and—most importantly—work as a team.

4. Respect > Communication

Everyone says "communication is key." And sure, talking is great. But what’s more important? Respect.

You can be the best communicator in the world, but if you don’t respect each other? Game over.

Signs of respect in a relationship:

• Speaking kindly (even during fights).

• Supporting each other’s goals and dreams.

• Trusting your partner’s decisions.

• Never belittling or talking badly about them.

Once respect is gone, it’s almost impossible to get back. So, protect it.

6. If You’re Worried He’s Losing Interest, Do This

Ever feel like your partner is pulling away? You’re not alone.

One of the most common relationship fears is “Does he still love me?” The good news? If you’re asking that question, you care enough to fix it.

Signs of emotional distance:

• Conversations feel forced.

• Less physical affection.

• Spending more time apart (without good reason)

Instead of panicking, try this: Reconnect, don’t accuse.

How to bring back the spark:

• Plan something new together (a trip, hobby, or fun date).

• Express appreciation daily.

• Have an honest (but non-accusatory) conversation

Distance happens. What matters is how you handle it.