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.
Supporting each other through tough times
Building a home together
Not taking each other for granted
Missing your partner when they are away
Remembering the little things
Not being afraid to show weakness
Being ‘in tune’ with each other
When you can comfortably sit in silence
Agreeing to disagree sometimes
Knowing when something is wrong
Holding hands while in your fifties and later
Wanting them to let you know they arrived safely after a long journey
Being able to confide in them about anything
Valuing your partner’s needs over your own
Laughing at each other’s jokes – even if not funny
Going for a long walk together
Worrying for their safety when they go on a night out/away
Making tea/coffee for each other
Feeling comfortable discussing medical or health issues
Remembering life is for living
Encouraging your partner in their career
Supporting each other when parenting
Not having to dress to impress them
Knowing when to bite your tongue
Having adventures together
Suffering no embarrassment at total nudity with each other
Encouraging silliness in each other
Arranging surprise breaks away
Cooking a nice mid-week dinner
Feeling a sense of pride at how your partner conducts themselves
Sitting through television/films you hate but partner likes
Being able to insult them without them taking it personally
Tidying up after yourself
Getting on with your in-laws no matter how difficult
Bringing home food (or cake) without being asked
Sharing your last Rolo
Being able to talk absolute gibberish
Not minding them looking at other men/women
Not being grossed out/ put off by anything they do
Recording your favourite programme for you
Admitting when you’re rubbish at DIY
Finishing each other’s sentences
Knowing what to order at the bar without asking
Boasting to other people about your partner’s achievements
