A researcher analyzed 50 years worth of studies on long-term relationships and says he found the four key things you need to do if you want your relationship to last. Here’s what he came up with:

1.  Quit thinking you can upgrade. Lots of couples break up because one person decides they could do better.  But when they find out they’re older than they used to be, and that dating is harder than they remember, their former partner is no longer interested in getting back together.

2.  Adopt the attitude that your relationship is more important than you are.  Believe you’re stronger as a whole.

3.  Don’t let conflicts brew. Talk it out.  Because if you let it fester, you’ll end up resenting each other.  And let go of your need to win every argument.  Try seeing a win as finding a resolution that makes you both feel better at the end.

4.  Make each other laugh. Especially when things get stressful.  If you can make each other laugh, you can connect on an even deeper level.

Read more here: Inc