Couples reveal the best tips for a successful relationship

Number 50 is my absolute favourite.

A study of over 2,000 over 50’s explore the real secrets to ensuring a love lasts through better or worse. Researchers delved into the intricacies of a successful relationship and unearthed the 50 most popular responses to the question ‘what is love?’. The research, commissioned by Retirementmove.co.uk found that on average, it takes approximately four and a half months into a relationship for love to blossom. The keys to making it last a lifetime are adorable. Results showed saying ‘I love you’ at least nine times a week is integral to long-term happiness while kissing, at least seven times a week is the key to ensuring the passion stays a light. Encouraging silliness, getting along with the family and avoiding jealousy were also deemed crucial factors. Only 9% of those surveyed believed in love at first sight but just under 50% believed in the concept of there being “the one”. Building a home together proved to be the central most crucial concept to long-lasting love and shows that so much of the way we think about love comes from that sense of feeling at home and belonging to a place. A home is so pivotal in the relationship, that one in six of those surveyed actually got engaged in their living room. Two-thirds of the survey participants also felt that love grew better with age. So without further delay, here are the top 50 ways to ensure your love lasts a lifetime.

1. Supporting each other through tough times
2. Building a home together
3. Not taking each other for granted
4. Missing your partner when they are away
5. Remembering the little things
6. Not being afraid to show weakness
7. Being ‘in tune’ with each other
8. When you can comfortably sit in silence
9. Agreeing to disagree sometimes
10. Knowing when something is wrong
11. Holding hands while in your fifties and later
12. Wanting them to let you know they arrived safely after a long journey
13. Being able to confide in them about anything
14. Valuing your partner’s needs over your own
15. Laughing at each other’s jokes – even if not funny
16. Going for a long walk together
17. Worrying for their safety when they go on a night out/away
18. Making tea/coffee for each other
19. Feeling comfortable discussing medical or health issues
20. Remembering life is for living
21. Encouraging your partner in their career
22. Supporting each other when parenting
23. Not having to dress to impress them
24. Knowing when to bite your tongue
25. Having adventures together
26. Suffering no embarrassment at total nudity with each other
27. Encouraging silliness in each other
28. Arranging surprise breaks away
29. Cooking a nice mid-week dinner
30. Feeling a sense of pride at how your partner conducts themselves
31. Sitting through television/films you hate but partner likes
32. Being able to insult them without them taking it personally
33. Tidying up after yourself
34. Getting on with your in-laws no matter how difficult
35. Bringing home food (or cake) without being asked
36. Sharing your last Rolo
37. Being able to talk absolute gibberish
38. Not minding them looking at other men/women
39. Not being grossed out/ put off by anything they do
40. Recording your favourite programme for you
41. Admitting when you’re rubbish at DIY
42. Finishing each other’s sentences
43. Knowing what to order at the bar without asking
44. Boasting to other people about your partner’s achievements
45. Giving your partner control of the television
46. Watching soaps together
47. Getting up early to sort out the kids
48. Getting nice presents especially jewellery
49. Liking each other’s’ friends
50. Hating the same things