How do couples manage to keep healthy dating relationships even after a few decades of living together? How do the people in healthy dating relationships manage to stay compatible for the long term? In my experience, it takes the same people who started the relationship to keep it going. Sure, there are therapists and concerned family members around to keep the couple on track, but ultimately, the decisions will have to come from the couple. In fact, too much meddling from others may even prove to be detrimental in the long run. People who can barely hang on to their relationships are more susceptible to confusion and wrong turns may lead to dead ends when too many people put their two cents in.

Here are 5 secrets to keeping healthy dating relationships:

1. Always say what you mean. The importance of honest communication cannot be denied. Start making it a habit to never tell white lies, and eventually you'll learn how to be completely honest to your partner. Everyone has closets full of secrets, and sometimes, it is impossible to tell someone everything about you in a short period of time. However, it does get easier as time passes; especially if you promise never to close your doors to someone you love. Be honest with your partner right from the beginning.

2. Don't let stress get the better of you. Healthy dating relationships are romantic, but romance may not always possible. Stress at work and at home may devour every single second of your day, however, you can do something to keep the flame burning. Never go to bed mad and always kiss your partner good night every day to remind each other about your loving relationship.

3. Make plans together as a team - When you plan your vacations, outings or birthday parties, make sure you tell your partner about them. Respect your partner's time and keep each other posted. Ask your partner to participate in the decision making process, doing so will communicate your affection and respect.

4. Discuss expectations ? You simply cannot make someone meet your expectations if he or she does not have any idea what they are. Some couples keep their expectations hidden. Remember that mind reading is not something that ordinary people can do. Healthy dating relationships are not always smooth sailing. Sometimes there are pitfalls and emotional traps that create stress. You have to find ways to get over these things together to make your relationship work.

5. Be supportive of each other's career ? Some couples share the same profession, and this could create a competitive atmosphere within the household. Questions about who's earning more and who's not contributing what should be avoided to preserve harmony. If your partner gets promoted, be happy for him or her. Don't let career and finances ruin your relationship. Once you commit to someone, you share everything. To really thrive as a couple, success and failure should be shared.

Maintaining healthy dating relationships will always require patience and understanding. Not many people know how to make a relationship last, but everyone inherently knows the basics of loving. And so, that's where we start.