Take it from someone who knows, being in a long term-relationship is not easy, especially for college students. Today’s average college student has to deal with school, work, extra-curricular activities, credit card bills, and personal problems. Balancing a relationship along with everything else can be overwhelming. Most people fear commitment and who can blame them? Sometimes it is just too much work.

However, after being in a relationship for a few years, you learn a few things. A few rules of thumb that help us deal with the ups and downs of a relationship. You might even come to realize that love can be beautiful. I am not an authority in relationships and love, but I have learned a few lessons throughout my own relationship. I, Adrine Avanesyan, have found that there are eight essential rules, in no particular order, which will keep a relationship strong.

1. Trust: Always trust one another and avoid that ugly feeling of doubt. Things like constantly checking up on your partner; listening to their voicemails, searching their pockets and asking them where they have been, can and will destroy your relationship. A lack of faith in each other will eventually make any relationship tiresome. If you find that you can not trust your partner then you are wasting your time.

2. Keep the flame burning: After being in a relationship for a long time, we often start to neglect our partner. Never forget to say, ” I love you.” Once in awhile, tell your partner that they are special to you. Do not be afraid to let them know how attracted you are to them. Write little notes to them and hide them in a place that they will find later on in the day.

3. Communication: Share your feelings with your partner. If you are angry with them, tell them instead of keeping that anger inside of you. Listen to one another, take into account how your partner feels about things, regardless of whether or not you agree with them. Talk about everything. Realize that it can be hard for your partner to always know how you feel if you do not tell them.

4. Alone time: Occasionally take some time apart from each other. Let him go have a beer with his friends while you go to the movies with some of your gal pals. It is important that we all have our own space and time to do the things that we love to do. Every once in while do something for yourself; take a yoga class, attend a poetry reading, or go mountain bike riding.

5.Support: It is important to support and encourage one another. Support your partner’s beliefs, ideas, career opportunities, and creative outputs. You do not have to agree with everything that your partner says and does. However, offering them moral support will strengthen your bond with them.

6.Do not ignore your looks: It is nice to dress up once in a while and show your partner that you still want to look your best for them. Put on something special when you go out, instead of the typical jeans and shirt. For women, it is nice to wear a little makeup from time to time. For men, it is important to smell nice and have a clean cut shave. It is very important to look at your partner of many years and still find them the most attractive person.

7. Have fun together: Sometimes put everything aside and just enjoy your relationship and your partner. Go camping together, see a funny movie, have a romantic picnic. Do no be afraid to look like a fool in front of your partner. Go to a karaoke bar and sing your heart out. Sometimes relationships get tiresome because we take them too seriously.

8. Educate yourself on your partner: Take the time to truly discover your partner’s likes and dislikes. Find out who is their favorite band or singer and surprise them with concert tickets. Learn what their concerns are about life and love. Take notes to yourself when your partner is telling you about their goals, their favorite food, the things that upset them, and the things that make them happy. The more you know about your partner, the easier it will be to understand them and be in a relationship with them.

Every relationship is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. However, I have found that these simple rules have helped me in my own relationship with my husband. Some of you might agree with me and some of you might not; but I dare you to give these eight rules a try.