“Let your love be like the misty rains, coming softly, but flooding the river.” – Malagasy Proverb

You have probably heard the statistics about marriage—more than half will end in divorce. You don’t marry the person you fell in love with intending to divorce down the road. You fell in love for a reason and it is up to you to make sure you keep that love alive.

But relationships aren’t always easy.

There is give and take and you will have to be willing to put some effort into keeping your relationship strong and healthy. Love is put to the test all the time in this sometimes cruel world. Outside influences that are outside of your control will strain your relationship, but you can make it work.

Here are some tips to help you keep your love alive in a crazy, sometimes cruel world.

1. Accept the fact there will be struggles, just like there will be storms. The storms pass and so will the struggles if you stick together and weather the trials that are thrown your way. Don’t be quick to give up in the middle of the storm. Commit yourself to making your relationship work and you will be able to focus on the light at end of the tunnel.

2. Don’t let the relationship cool off for too long. There are going to be lulls, when you are both very busy and don’t have a lot of time or energy to devote to each other. The relationship is still there, but it is going to cool off a bit. Commit to a weekly date night or a weekend together every month to keep the fires burning.

3. Do the little things that help keep the love alive. Guys, open the door for her or send her flowers on occasion. Ladies, make him his favorite home-cooked meal or give him a back rub after a long day. These are little things that tend to fade away after the honeymoon period. You don’t realize how important they are until after they stop. Little touches here and there are special and say a lot without ever using words.

4. Remind yourself of why you love your partner. Sometimes, those little irritating habits and nuances can have a snowball effect if you let them. Stop dwelling on all the negative things and remind yourself of the reasons you love your partner. This will help push those irritating habits to the back of your mind and allow your love to blossom.

5. Don’t compare your relationship to your parents, your co-workers or people on television. Your relationship is unique as are the two people in it. You have to find what works best for your relationship and keep at it. Some couples travel together while others prefer to stay home. Whatever works for you is all that matters.

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About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.