Even the most apparently healthy relationships will go through ups and downs. In the early stages, whether you met through online dating site or in your local pub, couples will be experiencing the first flushes of potential love. This honeymoon period will be characterized by excitement. You’ll be finding out all about each other’s personalities and passions, and discovering activities to enjoy together.

With time, all that enthusiasm will diminish, replaced by contentment and habit. But even in any relationship where the partners have become completely comfortable with each other, complacency can have a negative impact on their happiness. Here are four tips which will guarantee any partnership remains strong.

Meet issues head on
Whenever there are disagreements or contentious issues, the worst thing you could do is simply try to hope these will sort out themselves. Whenever anything arises which has the potential to cause long-term resentment, no matter what the source of the problem might be, it is imperative these are dealt with from the outset. There is no point putting on a brave face because you don’t wish to rock the boat. This ‘head in the sand’ attitude will only lead to conflict further down the line. It’s far better to maintain an open and honest arena where any problems can be debated. Some couples go out of their way to avoid confrontation, but dealing with anything head one will actually bring you closer as a couple.

Learn how to deal with friction
It’s important to be able to put disagreements in perspective. It would be unnatural for a relationship to coast along, with neither party ever feeling the need to disagree with the other. But arguments can always be controlled if both partners are prepared to compromise and not allow the situation to spiral out of control. As a couple, you should relish healthy and vigorous debates on any subject. Even if these do become heated, they can actually be a satisfying way to let off steam. It’s healthy to have opposing viewpoints. As long as you accept there are lines which must never be crossed, and compromises which must always be reached, your relationship will be strengthened.

Keep an upbeat attitude
Another excellent tip towards maintaining the positivity in any partnership is to try and maintain an optimistic outlook at all times. It is only natural there will be incidents which arise that can provoke feelings of disappointment. But stress and trauma can be overcome by striving to remain positive. This is where one partner can be particularly supportive of their other half. No matter how despondent they might feel about something, if you can be on their side, providing support and encouragement at all times, then the old adage will prove to be true: a problem shared is a problem halved.

Accept no relationship is perfect
There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. The reason for this is quite straightforward. Relationships involve human beings and each and every one of us is flawed in some way. Being less than perfect is one of the prime characteristics which makes us human.

This can actually be a source of positivity for any couple if they accept there will be times when unpleasant characteristics come to the fore. Aspects like weakness, selfishness, greed and many others may not be that pleasant when they are exhibited. But they are nothing to get unduly concerned about when placed in this context. We are all capable of behaving to less than impeccable standards. The important thing is to accept shortcomings and to be prepared to forgive and move on.