Stop Believing These Myths For A Happy Long-Term Relationship
Romantic notions of love are everywhere – in movies, books, even in the advice from our grandmothers. These stories fill us with illusions that create unrealistic expectations about what it means to be in a long-term and happy relationship. And without even realizing it, these illusions sneak into our minds, push us into doubt, and leave us feeling like something isn’t quite right in our relationship.
But what if I told you that all of this is just a clouded view of reality? If we toss aside these myths and finally dive into reality – without the rose-colored glasses, without comparing ourselves to the “perfect” couples we see on the big screen – we can create a love that is based on a solid connection, not on an idealized image.
Get ready, because in this article, we’re going to uncover the most common myths about long-term partnerships – and trust me, some of them will definitely surprise you!
14 Debunking Myths About Long-Term Partnerships
1. When You Get Married, You Have to Be 100% Sure
Oh, really? Who is ever 100% sure about anything in life? We’d probably never do anything if we waited for perfect certainty! Of course, marriage isn’t a decision you make the moment you wake up over a cup of coffee; it’s a huge step forward—with new responsibilities and frequent changes. But do you need to stand at the altar with absolute certainty?
No, actually, you don’t. Long-term relationships aren’t magic you find once and for all—they’re a daily choice. And that’s what strong couples do: they recognize that every day is an opportunity to choose again, to love again, to grow again. Who would have thought that small doubts could actually strengthen the bond between you?
2. You Always Have to Feel That ‘Spark’
Ah, those early moments. The sparks that carry us into a world of film and euphoria. When your heart races and all the hormones explode in a wild symphony of emotions. Sounds like paradise, right? But in reality, that’s just the beginning.
Yes, the initial feelings of passion are strongly linked to the biochemistry in our brains, where dopamine and oxytocin play their part. But in the long run, those sparks can’t be the only foundation for a lasting relationship. Over time, that chemistry settles down, but that doesn’t mean something is wrong. It’s a sign that the relationship is moving into deeper, calmer stages—phases where love isn’t just burning passion, but a stable connection, where all the little details slowly weave into something bigger.
So, if it doesn’t “spark” as much as it did at the beginning—let me tell you: don’t panic! This is just the beginning of a stronger, more mature love that didn’t stop at passion
3. For A Healthy Relationship, You Have To Have A Lot Of Sex
This myth has been the subject of entire books! Movies, magazines, and pop culture—they all bombard us with the image of a relationship defined by candlelit dinners and sexy moments. But is it really like that? Not necessarily.
Intimacy is definitely important, but a true understanding of intimacy doesn’t only depend on sexuality. It’s about connection, trust, and how you support each other emotionally and psychologically. Studies have shown that there’s a certain “critical point” in the number of sexual encounters per month (about 4), after which increased frequency no longer leads to greater satisfaction. Quality, not quantity—and this applies to both sex and all other aspects of a relationship.
4. The Seventh Year of a Relationship Is Always a Crisis Year
Ah, this myth. Everyone knows someone who claims the seventh year is the hardest in a relationship. When everything gets harder, when the dynamics change, when everything falls apart. But I can tell you something: that’s not true.
There’s no evidence to suggest that the seventh year of a relationship is particularly crisis-prone. Maybe a lot of changes happen during this time—new responsibilities, careers, children. But a crisis can happen anytime, regardless of how many years have passed.
Our relationship evolves and changes—and if nothing else, that should be a reason to celebrate, as it means growth. So, embrace this change and trust that love doesn’t depend on numbers, but on how you adapt together.
5. If You’re Meant To Be, You’ll Stay Together Forever
We’ve all believed in the idea that the “one” is out there, that love is destined, like something you find in a romantic movie. But the reality? It’s much more complex. Partners change, grow, face new challenges that they overcome together. Fate? That’s probably a myth that’s hard to accept when we face reality.
Psychologists say there’s no “destiny” in long-term relationships—it’s about choice and commitment. It’s about the work we put into our relationship every day, no matter how many years pass. When we encounter new challenges, that doesn’t drive us apart—it connects us even more if we choose to grow together. So, no, fate is not the key. The key is choice and hard work.
6. You Should Never Go to Bed Angry After an Argument
One of the most popular pieces of wisdom circulating among couples is that you must always resolve your anger before bed, or else the consequences will be catastrophic. But in reality, this isn’t always so simple. Sometimes, it’s perfectly normal and even beneficial to take some time to reflect before returning to the conflict.
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People react to conflicts differently—some need time to calm down before they’re ready to continue the conversation, while others need to clear things up right away. It’s important to recognize that different couples need different approaches to resolving disagreements, and sometimes anger just needs to burn off. It’s not necessary to always immediately resolve an argument—but understanding and being willing to talk about it later is key to long-term happiness in a relationship. This is just another myth debunked about long-term partnerships.
7. Happy Couples Don’t Need Effort
We often hear that the right couple doesn’t need effort. Love is supposed to be natural and effortless. Sure, in the early stages of a relationship, everything flows smoothly, but as time goes on, it’s crucial that both partners invest in the relationship. Debunking myths about long-term partnerships: a relationship isn’t something that just happens on its own—long-term success is built on consistent work and ongoing investment in both partners.
People who believe everything should happen effortlessly often hit obstacles when faced with life’s challenges. A healthy relationship is based on both partners investing their time, energy, and willingness to maintain that spark. With each challenge overcome, their connection strengthens. This is not something that happens on its own—it’s a process where both partners’ attention, love, and patience come together as the cornerstone of a long-lasting relationship.
8. Jealousy Is a Sign of True Love
The myth that jealousy is a sign of love is very convincing. “If you love me, you’ll be jealous,” many may have heard. But that’s not a sign of love—it’s often a result of insecurity. Sure, it’s normal to feel a little jealous from time to time, but excessive feelings of insecurity can hinder the growth of your relationship.
Debunking myths about long-term partnerships teaches us that true trust and respect leave no room for jealousy. Healthy relationships are those where both partners trust each other and respect personal freedom, without fearing that this will jeopardize their connection. If jealousy becomes a constant issue, it’s an opportunity for an honest conversation that will help identify and resolve distrust.
9. If You Love Someone, You Have to Change for Them
The myth that you must change to please your partner is one of the most harmful ideas circulating among couples. In reality, each individual should change for personal growth, not due to pressure from their partner. Compromise and flexibility are important, but changing your personality for someone else is not healthy.
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A healthy relationship is one where both partners accept each other with all their virtues and flaws. Debunking myths about long-term partnerships reminds us that true love isn’t conditional on constant adjustments, but on understanding, respect, and accepting each other as we are.
10. Your Partner Should Fulfill All Your Needs
In reality, no one can be everything to their partner—not even you to them. If you expect your partner to be your sole emotional support, your solution to all problems, you’re setting up unrealistic expectations.
These needs—emotional, physical, intellectual—are often more complex than one person can fulfill. Debunking myths about long-term partnerships reminds us that the key is to recognize that your partner is not your therapist, friend, counselor, and everything in between. Happy and healthy couples strive to create balance and build a connection that isn’t based on your partner fulfilling every need but on trust, compassion, and acceptance.
11. Forgiveness Means Approving of the Wrongdoing
Many people think that forgiveness is an endorsement of the wrongdoing, that by forgiving, we’re saying, “What you did is okay.” But the truth is much more complicated. When we forgive, it doesn’t mean we’ve accepted malicious actions or forgotten them. On the contrary, forgiveness is an incredibly personal decision that doesn’t involve approving what happened. It means acknowledging the pain, accepting it, and allowing ourselves to move forward without burdening ourselves with negative emotions. It’s a process that frees us, not a reward for misbehavior.
12. Conflicts Mean the End of a Relationship
“If there are no conflicts, there is no real connection,” someone once wrote. Many often wonder if conflicts can really strengthen a relationship. When something touches us, it’s almost impossible to stay calm and silent. But this doesn’t mean the relationship is falling apart. In reality, conflict is a natural and almost inevitable part of any partnership.
Debunking myths about long-term partnerships means recognizing that conflicts are not necessarily negative. When we learn to resolve disagreements with open communication, empathy, and a willingness to compromise, conflict can actually strengthen the relationship. Healthy conflict leads to a greater understanding of each other and helps build trust. It’s like a seal in construction—without it, everything would fall apart, but with it, everything stays strong.
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13. Broken Trust is Irreparable
Broken trust. How often do we hear this, and what do people think when they hear it? “If it breaks once, it’s over.” This is one of the most widespread myths when it comes to long-term relationships. But the truth is, trust can be rebuilt. Of course, it requires effort, time, and, most importantly, consistency.
Restoring trust requires open communication, patience, and genuine commitment—and you may even find that, over time, you’ll have a deeper trust than before. And although it may seem difficult, it’s these moments that renew us and teach us that nothing is irreversible if both parties are willing to try.
14. “This is Who I Am—Accept Me!”
Have you ever heard the phrase, “This is who I am, accept me!”? Perhaps from someone who used it as an excuse for inappropriate behavior, such as using disrespectful words, physically expressing anger, or even other harmful patterns that can deeply affect long-term relationships. But here’s the truth: Debunking myths about long-term partnerships also means recognizing that long-term relationships are anything but static. We are not condemned to our “infectious” character traits, even though at times it may seem like the only option.
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Of course, no one is perfect, and everyone has their moments when they don’t behave their best. But it’s important to take responsibility for our reactions and realize that we have the power to influence who we become. In long-term partnerships, this is not only essential—it’s the foundation that allows the relationship to grow and deepen over time. Wondering how? With small but decisive steps. By accepting that every day we can learn something new about ourselves and thus become a better version of ourselves for those we love.
