Dating can be lots of fun but, according to the LoveGeist Report 2009, 95% of singles in the UK would prefer to be in a long-term relationship.

It’s one thing going on a few successful dates, but quite another turning dating into a long-lasting partnership. For many people, the transition can present a number of challenges, particularly if they have become accustomed to living as a single person.

However, there are some simple steps you can take which may just transform your relationship and make living as a couple a much more enjoyable experience. Here are some of the most important things to remember when you realise you would like to make the move from dating to long-term love.

Keep the dating vibe alive

When you’re dating, going out together will happen automatically. In a long-term relationship, though, you need to consciously decide to make time for each other, without any outside distractions getting in the way, and to make this a priority.

If you don’t do this, weeks or months can slip past without a decent conversation or a relaxed evening together, simply because the chores and hassles of daily life have gradually been allowed to take over.

To keep the spark alive, it is important to get back into that dating mode and spend at least one night per week together, and sitting in front of the television doesn’t count! Most couples benefit from having a ‘date night’ when both sides know it is time to get out and enjoy each other’s company.

Do fun things together

Dating partners tend to have quite a lot in common and to enjoy a number of similar things. As you move towards a life lived together, keep these interests alive.

Activities such as sharing a pleasurable hobby, or even simply enjoying a fun film or a good meal together, are all good ideas because sharing pleasure and fun helps to cultivate intimacy between two people, and all good long-term relationships need to have a solid foundation of intimacy.

Embark on long-term projects as a couple

Dating activities tend be short-lived, such as going to a film or an event together. When you become a couple, it can be good for your relationship to enter into long-term projects or activities together, as these can help to create shared common ground.

Examples of long-term activities include taking a course together, starting a new fitness regime or taking on DIY projects – anything which goes beyond typical dating activities and requires some level of mutual commitment and effort over time.

This kind of long-term goal will help you work together when life changes take place in the future, such as having children.

Make up quickly

When you’re dating, conflicts may arise but they matter less as you aren’t spending all your time together. In a long-term relationship, disagreements and conflicts can fester and create rifts in the partnership if not dealt with properly.

Try to resolve conflicts early and with an emphasis on compromise and fairness to both sides, as this will prevent resentment and hurt building up over time. Many successful long-term couples say they always try not to go to bed on an argument.

emily heart writes for match.com, who commissioned the lovegeist report 2009. match.com is the uk’s biggest dating site. with thousands of new members joining every day, you won’t have a better chance of finding love online anywhere else.

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