Our founder Charlee, wrote a piece for a magazine in 2008. Her advice was so timeless, we decided to bring it back in 2021. The four key components of a successful relationship are—play, participate, prioritize, and plan. 

1. Play

Couples who play together, stay together.

There’s a reason so many people say a sense of humor is an important factor when looking for a potential mate. According to Dr. Jeffrey Hall, being able to laugh at the same things, and create inside jokes is the key to a successful relationship

Laughter is nature’s medicine. Try visiting a comedy club on your next date and see if it doesn’t help seal the bond. 

Does your partner prefer physical activities? Try a trampoline park. Maybe she’s more on the competitive side? Host a game night. Does she enjoy embarrassing herself at Karaoke?

Plan something together you know she will enjoy, something that allows you to play together and get out of your day-to-day lives. Even if it’s not your cup of tea, get out of your own comfort zone and try something new! She will appreciate your effort and your level of discomfort during Don’t Stop Believing and Sweet Caroline.

2. Participate

Speaking of effort. How much effort are you putting into the relationship compared to your partner? Are things pretty even or could one of you seriously pick up some slack?

It’s common for relationships to fluctuate, but if there is a constant imbalance, it’s time to reexamine things. 

Get out those participation trophies because relationships are not passive. To succeed, they require active participation from both parties.

3. Prioritize

We make time in our lives for the things that mean the most to us.

Now, you don’t necessarily need to write down your priorities and rate them, but if it helps, why not? Does finding a relationship rate up there with your career?

Then it’s time to start acting like it.

I would wager you put more than 40 hours into your job every week. But let me ask you, how many hours are you spending really making your love life a priority? If you’re in a relationship—how much work do you do to achieve and maintain a successful relationship?

Good news! With Executive Matchmakers, you don’t have to put hours of time and energy into your love life to make it a top priority. There’s no endless swiping or meaningless texting. Your Matchmaker does all the behind-the-scenes work to root out any potential deal-breakers. We sort through all of the candidates to find those best suited to you, then we introduce you!

4. Plan

In the Rom-Coms, there’s always a spontaneous meet-cute. On reality TV, the couple just happens upon a romantic flash mob while strolling through the park.

But those things don’t happen IRL.

A team of writers came up with that scenario, and some poor Production Assistants had to learn the dance, because there weren’t enough bodies in the flash mob. You didn’t see The Bachelorette signing a waiver before floating away in a hot air balloon. 

My point is, a successful relationship takes a whole lot of planning. Spontaneity often requires forethought, as oxymoronic as that may sound.

You don’t have to commission a yacht to plan a great date. A little goes a long way. What is her Love Language? Try organizing a day around filling her love tank. 

Love is an actionable verb. You have to wake up every single day and choose to love your partner. Make her laugh. Plan things to make her feel appreciated. Make her a priority in your life.