15 Things That Keep Relationships Intact

Romance is said to be the flame that keeps the passion alive in relationships. When that passion fizzles out, we assume that the relationship is at its end.

What most of us don’t realize is that there is still a big difference between romance and love. We were trained and conditioned to look for passion, but we fail to realize that it’s not the only thing that can keep a relationship afloat.

There are millions even billions of hopeless romantics out there, but looking at a couple without any sense of romance can make you wonder if the hopeless part is all that’s left. If you look closely, you might see that the romance does exist. It’s just not noticeable enough to be seen by the naked eye.

# Love

The most important and simplest factor of all. Love is not complicated when two people understand that its existence doesn’t need to be justified or validated.

# Care

Caring comes in many forms. Whether it’s a helping hand in the kitchen or an immediate response to a crisis, your presence and input are more than enough to make up for a lack of romance.

# Acceptance

When you know where you stand and are not looking for more, you can rest knowing that you and your partner are in a perfect place with your relationship.

# Contentment

Those who yearn for more in a relationship are well within their rights to ask for something that they feel is missing. Couples who are content with how they approach their relationships need only ask for more when the situation calls for it.

# Empathy

Being okay with a lack of romance means that you and your partner understand each other well enough to know that you’re okay with how things are going. When something feels uncomfortable, these couples are more likely to react accordingly.

# Sense of duty

It might seem like an imposition, but it’s the complete opposite for the person who’s willing to do their duty as a partner. It’s essentially a full-time job, but they knew what they were signing up for.

# Familiarity

Even if the romantic aspect of the relationship does not exist, you still can’t help but feel incomplete without your partner. Their presence in your life is what keeps you going. In turn, it’s what keeps your relationship going as well.

# Dependence

The good kind of dependence is when you acknowledge that being with your partner is good for you. It’s only bad when you rely on them on every aspect of your relationship.

# Pleasure

Just because a couple isn’t romantic, it does not mean that they don’t engage in the primal parts of being in a relationship. If the sex is really good, you can bet that flowers will never be an issue.

# Family

Having a family can overshadow the need for romance. Some people choose to focus on their love as a whole, rather than a gesture reserved for just two people.

# Appreciation

Rather than nitpick about what your partner didn’t do for your anniversary, you can find more joy in actually appreciating what they do for you each and every day that you’re together.

# Gratitude

Saying thank you to each other can actually make up for a lot of things that most relationships have. Acknowledging the good things that have come out of your relationship on a regular basis can make it last longer.

# Sincerity

Although some couples don’t adhere to the expectations of romance, their transparency and honesty is enough of a sign that they’re in a relationship for the long haul.

# Communication

The strongest relationships are those with people who know how to express themselves. They can even discuss the lack of romance in their relationship and why it works for them.

# Emotional stability

When you and your partner are in a good place as individuals and as a couple, your relationship will thrive no matter what context it is in. Romantic or not, being in love, content and happy is more than enough.