9 tips to build a successful long-term relationship

Relationship experts Antia and Brody Boyd have helped thousands of men and women find love over the years.

But they say technology and changing gender roles in modern times have meant it’s been a challenge for many people to hold on to a successful long-term relationship.

We asked the San Diego-based couple, pictured below, to share their top tips on how to have a loving relationship.

Be transparent

Antia believes it’s important to be completely honest with your partner. She says whatever emotion you feel – or if you have any skeletons in the closet – it’s best not to hide anything.

Brody added: “Be willing to share your deepest fears and desires.”

He says it creates a deeper level of intimacy and connection.

Maintain a healthy balance

Strike a balance by avoiding being totally independent or completely dependent on your partner to meet all your needs.

Brody explained: “Make sure you have time for yourself outside of the relationship so you have things you enjoy outside and so does your partner.

“You’re both able to fulfil each other’s needs in deep ways but also fulfil needs outside of the relationship and have a balance that allows each partner to fully be themselves.”

Check in with each other

Make sure you check in with each other regularly about whether the needs of both of you are being met.

Brody says you should find out about what your partner’s needs are and how fulfilled they are in the relationship – and in life.

Have purpose in life

Make sure you know what you want to do in life, as this will give your relationship a better sense of purpose.

Brody said: “In order to have a happy relationship, it’s important that each person in the relationship is connected to what their purpose is – to why they’re here.

“That will give the relationship a better sense of purpose as well, which will make it more likely to last.”

He says it’s important to find out what your partner wants to do with their life and what goals you want to create together.

Embrace your masculine or feminine essence

Celebrate your male and female differences to keep your relationship alive.

Antia said: “It’s important to maintain polarity by embracing your masculine or feminine essence, because this supports you in maintaining your level of passion and intimacy.”

Surround yourself with other successful couples

Positive role models can help you have a better relationship.

Brody said: “Your environment will give you models and mindsets on how to approach your own relationship. So it’s important to surround yourself with positive role models, who are lifting you up and encouraging an even better relationship for yourself and your partner, rather than pulling you down.”

Put the relationship first

Even if you have children, put your relationship first to create a strong unit.

Brody said: “Your children are watching you as the model of the ideal relationship – they’re learning from you. When you put your relationship first, other people will respect that – and you.”

Antia added: “They will see a strong unit.”

Express all of your emotions fully

Whether you’re feeling anger, sadness or ecstasy, it’s important to express your emotions.

Brody said: “This allows other people to understand where you’re at and to know how to meet your needs in an even better way.”

Antia added: “Expressing your emotions leads to long-term happiness, because you’re receiving that sense of unconditional love and there’s no censorship.

“If you hold things in, they will come out in a distorted way.”

Learn and grow together

We’re constantly evolving, so it’s important to grow together.

Brody said: “Have goals as a couple of how you want to grow together.”

Antia added: “Ask how can we improve our lives and how can we be even more fulfilled?”

●For more about the Boyds and their work, go to FindTheOneElite.com.