Today, my partner and I are celebrating 6 years together and what a learning process it has been. I have learned so much about myself, about love and life. We are total opposites, he like R&B and hip hop. I like country an alternative. He's more of a picky eater and I don't think there's any food I don't like.

It's not easy and it does take effort, self-sacrifice and will-power to stay together. But if you’ve found someone special, it’s all worth it! This is how we have stayed together through it all...


GIVE EACH OTHER FREEDOM
Giving each other freedom and not expecting your partner to change is key to a happy relationship. I know lots of people who back out of relationships because they’re afraid to lose identity and freedom. But in my world, commitment and freedom don’t contradict. By allowing your partner to do what he likes and not tie him down, you allow the relationship to grow.


TRAVEL TOGETHER
Traveling allows you to know your travel partner inside out – from their best and their worst sides. This can reveal if you are a good match.

Traveling is a powerful way to revive a relationship and keep things interesting. You see the world together and you grow together. Travel experiences touch you on a deeper level and bring you closer in a very short period of time.





STAY TOGETHER THROUGH HARD TIMES
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, is all relationships goes through ups and downs. There will come a time where everything seems hopeless and it’s easier to give up and go your separate ways. But if you stay together, you will come out stronger.

The key is to fight for your relationship every single day – especially when you don’t feel like it. And if you’re unable to solve your problems, seek outside help. There’s no shame in that. Whether it’s a religious counselor, a therapist or other qualified professionals, this is a good way to get the relationship back on track.


BE BEST FRIENDS
Your significant other should also be your best friend. And you should do friend-stuff together, like have drinks, play a game, see a movie. Do things with your partner that you would do with a friend.

And most importantly, remember to communicate. I think people drift apart because they forget to talk. And I don’t mean they need to discuss the meaning of life every night at the dinner table. I’m talking about the little things, like asking how his day was, sharing if something at work troubles you. Sharing your feelings, dreams and frustrations. This is how you stay close.


LAUGH TOGETHER
As a couple, you should make time to laugh and have fun. Not only does it bind you together, laughter can also help us relax, defuse conflict and restore a positive atmosphere. Try setting aside time each week for you and your other half to do something that you really enjoy.


RESPECT AND APPRECIATE EACH OTHER 
Mutual respect is essential in maintaining healthy relationships. Respect is many things… it’s to defend your significant other in front of other people, to compromise, and to never talk down to each other.

Even when I don’t understand him, I respect the choices he makes, because I trust him and respect him. For me, respect is also about including your partner in important decisions, like job situations, education, and economy.

Appreciating each other every day is equally important. Send texts and leave small notes on the kitchen table. And make it a habit to ask how his day went.

I like to think happiness is in the details. A lot of times it's just the little things that matter, like cooking his favorite meal.


BE SPONTANEOUS
Whether it’s a getaway weekend or a surprise picnic in the backyard, spontaneity is the way to keep things interesting.




SAY I LOVE YOU EVERY DAY
I might tell DJ I love him a gazillion times a day, but it never gets old and I’m never afraid to be vulnerable to him. When you love someone, it’s okay to put your trust in them and be vulnerable.