24 important relationship rules every couple should follow

When you're falling in love, you probably labour under the delusion that you'll always agree on everything. Not so much. As you learn what topics you'll never agree on, politely agree to disagree. It serves no one to keep beating up the same old themes.

It's acceptable to wear jeans and jogging bottoms almost anywhere. But it's also nice to put on your fancy clothes once in a while to show you made the extra effort (like you did when you were dating, right?!).

It reinforces your own bond.

Which is over and over and over. Living with someone is messy, and we're all imperfect. Get over your pride, and know when to let it go. Perpetual pouting and grudge-holding don't build up a healthy relationship.

Opposites may attract, but it can be tricky to manage opposing beliefs in the long run. Similar views on the world, faith, and life in general are what keep you both working toward common needs and goals.

Sunday afternoon walks. Exchanging Valentines cards. Watching a favourite Christmas film together. Shared rituals keep you close and highlight what's unique about you as a couple.

A scrap of paper tucked in the other person's bag. A scribble on the edge of the shopping list. Your notes can be naughty or nice, but it's sweet to find a note that says "I love you" where you least expect it.

Aretha got it right. Talking down to the other person, belittling them, and mean-spirited teasing aren't what makes a relationship work in the long run.

Whether it's acknowledging your first date or your 20th r the day the two of you became a couple.

Your . Print it, frame it, and display it.

Don't let being in a hurry steal these tokens of your affection. Greet each other every single time you leave the house; you never know what can happen when you're apart. Then rejoice in the reunion when the other one comes home.

Let your partner hear you say something good about them to someone else. It's sort of a thrill to hear yourself bragged on, and who doesn't need an occasional pat on the back?

It's better to laugh than to cry. If you can look at the ridiculousness of the moment instead of freaking out every time something goes awry (whether it's lost luggage, flooded basements, or clogged sinks!), you'll be a lot less likely to give up on each other.

Know when to take a break and visit with friends, or nurture your own interests. Because, yeah, sometimes we all do get on each other's nerves. Absence can make the heart grow fonder and reset the ticker on your patience.

It's not the most uplifting experience to try to talk to you partner when they're browsing the internet, or texting. Establish a tech-free zone (or time) when you interact with each other and do real things in the real world: Go watch a sunset. Listen to the birds sing. Take a walk. Do anything together but stare at your phones.

Not all the time. But occasionally let the other person choose an , even if it's one you don't particularly enjoy.

It's a top-secret code only two people in the whole world know.