5 simple ways to keep your relationship alive [Men Only]

A good relationship will surely keep you happy and healthy, and if

that's what you have now, making it last longterm isn't rocket

science—really.

Scientists at the University of Illinois recently analyzed 45 studies

and 12,273 reports on relationships and narrowed down their findings

into five strategies for keeping the bond strong with your significant

other.

According to the pros, here are the best strategies to include in your

relationship game plan:

Clear the air: Talk about whatever's on your mind, even if it's just

that you're annoyed she left her makeup all over the bathroom counter.

Putting it off will only force you to bottle up emotions and that

could lead to passive aggressive actions later on.

Get happy: If you're pissed off, chances are your crappy mood will rub

off on everyone around you, including your girlfriend. Sure, sometimes

a bad mood is unavoidable, but do your best to stay positive…

especially on date nights.

Divide and conquer: Who knew that simply divvying up chores could help

your relationship? Taking part in shared responsibilities reminds her

that you're committed — and it gets things around the house done a

heck of a lot faster which will make her even happier.

Mix it up: Of course you love your one-on-one time with her, but

including friends and family in your activities can actually help you

out as a couple. It shows your girlfriend that you are interested in

the people she cares about and gives her the opportunity to get to

know your crew as well.

Leave no doubts: Simply put, make sure she knows that you are 100%

into her — and not just for her looks. Encourage her to achieve her

own goals and lend support whenever she needs it most. You don't have

to make an elaborate production out of building her up; a sum of small

daily gestures should do the trick.

So, what's the end result of all these rules? A rock solid

relationship. If it all sounds like too much to take on at once, don't

panic. Just start with one strategy and build your way up.

The University of Illinois study found that a person who practices one

of the strategies is more likely to practice the others as well, so

one may be enough!

Fights over dirty dishes and leaving the toilet seat up or down will

still ensue, but in the long run remember that it's the effort that

counts.