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Next, Tom Lanaway<\/strong>, who\u2019s been with his other half for 11 years, emphasised the importance of communication: \u201cHaving the ability to see a problem separate to ourselves and figure it out together is important. Best example, we argued for years about washing dishes (I hate washing dishes) but we realised Beth hates cooking (I love cooking), so now I do all the cooking and Beth does all the washing up – problem solved!\u201d<\/p>\n Andy Moody, <\/strong>who will be celebrating 13 years with his partner in April, offered us five handy insights:<\/p>\n Our fourth participant, Andreea Popa<\/strong>, has been with her other half for just over ten years. They met at university and are now expecting their first baby. She believes self-development is key to a long-lasting relationship, revealing: \u201cLooking back, I\u2019d say the best thing we did for our relationship was working on our self-development, i.e. therapy, cultivating hobbies and friendships, and understanding ourselves better. This really helped us improve our self-confidence and communication as a couple which is a massive help in tackling daily problems and navigating those hard conversations. The way we argue now is completely different from how it was at the start of the relationship as we\u2019re trying to understand each other\u2019s point of view and leave our egos aside. Most times it\u2019s us against the problem, not one against the other.\u201d<\/p>\n James Fernando<\/strong> has the longest-lasting relationship out of our interviewees. He\u2019s been with his partner for 18 years and pins the relationship\u2019s success on honesty and fun. James revealed: \u201cWe are really honest with each other, always have been \u2013 but in the right way. As Pip always says, \u201chonesty without tact, is just cruelty\u201d. Another thing is we always try to have fun and make each other laugh- that’s very important to me that one. Spending time together, planning weekends away, going for meals, even going for a walk, but also having your own identity away from the relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n From snoring to farting, as well as pigging out and using the toilet with the door wide open, is it possible to get a little too comfortable with your other half? We did some digging to see whether the above strengthen a relationship or whether they\u2019re perhaps a step too far\u2026<\/p>\n Sophie:<\/strong> \u201cI completely agree that all of this makes a stronger relationship, just being yourself and letting your guard down is the key!\u201d<\/p>\n Tom:<\/strong> \u201cWe do all of them, so yes.\u201d<\/p>\n Andy<\/strong>: \u201cYou should feel comfortable to do whatever you want in front of your partner apart from when you need a number 2. Shut the door, nobody wants to smell that.\u201d<\/p>\n Andreea:<\/strong> \u201cYes, 100%! Your partner should be the person you feel most comfortable around, and in time you sort of find the right balance for you as a couple when it comes to doing embarrassing things but also keeping some things to yourself, as you still want them to find you attractive.\u201d<\/p>\n James:<\/strong> \u201cI wouldn\u2019t say the above strengthens our relationship, yet I do all the above! We\u2019ve been together 18 years, so we are at our most comfortable with each other, but I know it annoys her that I do most of the above.\u201d<\/p>\n Super comfortable in your own relationship? You and our funny<\/a> or rude<\/a> Valentine\u2019s card ranges might just be the perfect match. With specific designs for couples that fart together <\/a>and snack together<\/a>, our independent illustrators have really gone all out.<\/p>\n And finally, when asked whether they typically celebrate the day of love, we got a mixed bag of responses. Sophie revealed, \u201cWe\u2019ve never celebrated it by buying each other gifts\/going out for meals, but we acknowledge that it is Valentine\u2019s Day.\u201d Tom on the other hand mentioned the importance of quality time, revealing, \u201cYes, every year, we usually go away to the Lakes for some time in nature.\u201d<\/p>\n Andreea said \u201cWe celebrate Valentine\u2019s Day by going out for a nicer meal or buying a cute card, however we don\u2019t overdo it with the presents. We\u2019re pretty good at surprising each other with thoughtful gestures and little gifts throughout the year anyway.\u201d James expressed a similar sentiment, revealing that they\u2019ll always do \u201ca silly gift but nothing too over the top.\u201d And finally, Andy answered: \u201cNo, I don’t need a day to tell my wife I love her or give her a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n So, it\u2019s clear that celebrations vary from couple to couple, with some leaning into the fun of the festivities with a cute gift and card, and others doing away with gifting completely. The key takeaway from this is that it\u2019s all about going with what works for you and your other half!<\/p>\n We also spoke to Clarissa Bloom (dating and relationship expert for The Stag Company<\/strong><\/a>) to gain insider insights on what makes a relationship last:<\/p>\n Communication.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOne of the most important aspects in a healthy long-term relationship is a strong form of communication. There needs to be trust, a strong bond formed through clear communication. Feeling safe to be honest with each other and to talk about important subjects will make a huge difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Mutual respect.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cBoth sides need to listen and to discuss any potential issue or problem. This eagerness to grow will help the relationship flourish. In fact, I often find that tackling an issue really does build a bond between couples, whereas most try to avoid any form of conflict when this can be a great long-term experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Having a shared goal.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHaving a shared goal, dream, or personal interest can be significant. Whether it’s launching a blog together, creating the dream house project, or travelling the world, if you\u2019re both aligned in your interests then this can create a strong bond. It also makes conversations very interesting when passions and motives are shared.\u201d<\/p>\n Effort.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI have surveyed couples numerous times in the past and most stop having ‘date nights’ at the two-year mark. It doesn’t have to be a ‘date night’, but ensuring you keep those shared moments together is critical. Spending time together and trying out activities you will both enjoy can help keep a relationship strong.\u201d<\/p>\n Well, there we have it: our insights on what makes a relationship last from those in long-term partnerships!<\/p>\n From having frank discussions to having tonnes of fun, there are a bunch of ways in which you can keep the spark alive. So, whether you\u2019ve been with your other half ten months or ten years, bear the above tips in mind to ensure smooth sailing (most of the time).<\/p>\n Looking to earn some extra brownie points this Valentine\u2019s Day? Impress them with a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day card<\/a> from thortful. With designs for couples that run together<\/a> and ski together<\/a>, we have options to suit pretty much all relationships!<\/p>\n And while gifts aren\u2019t essential, they\u2019re certainly a nice touch\u2014especially on the day of love. From red roses to chocolates and bottles of ros\u00e9, check out our Valentine’s gifts<\/a> and surprise your other half.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/press-release-3.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nDo you think it\u2019s important to do \u2018embarrassing things\u2019 in front of your partner?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nDo you celebrate Valentine\u2019s Day?<\/h2>\n
Dating and relationship expert, Clarissa Bloom, shares her top tips for a long-lasting relationship<\/h2>\n