Whether you’ve been dating for a short time or you’ve been together for quite some time, it’s always good to do your research by digging around and finding ways to make your relationship with your boyfriend stronger than it already is. You may have hit a bit of a dip but you love each other too much to walk away.

Even when things are going great and you can find ways to make it even better! Whichever position you find yourself in, the fact that you’re finding out how to build a strong relationship with your boyfriend means you simply value what you have going on.

This particular relationship possibly matters more to you than any of your previous ones. You may even see this relationship turning into more than just a girlfriend/boyfriend type of thing.

If so, keep in mind the following 10 must-know tips if you plan on turning an average relationship into one that may even last a lifetime. When trying to implement how to build a strong relationship with your boyfriend, implement the next few tips:

1. Try something new

Bring some newness into your life and relationship. Try something new together. Whether it’s a new sex position or a type of food you’ve both never tried before— test it out. Doing something new and exciting can bring some much needed newness and excitement into your relationship. So, do you and do new.

Travel somewhere

 They say when you travel with someone, you really get to know them. Maybe it’s being confined to a small hotel room with the same person for a couple of days, or it’s experiencing new places together. Whatever it is, you will sure as hell get closer.

Teach each other something

One way to bond is to teach your partner something new. I’m talking about teaching your partner something that he or she would find interesting. This could be you teaching your boyfriend or girlfriend other languages. Or you could teach your significant other how to play an instrument. Learning from one another actually teaches you both a new skill.

Play some games

Playing around is one way to reconnect, especially if you’re playing for the same team. For someone who’s competitive like me, I would suggest you and your mate play on a team against another couple. However, if you’re a little more chill, then playing opposite your partner can be a great way to connect, laugh and enjoy each other’s company.

Relive memories

It’s not always good to live in the past. However, sometimes it can help connect you and your partner again. Talking about happy memories from the past can be a great way to bond. And, you can even take it one step further by reliving old memories. Take your lover on that date you planned for his birthday three years ago. Or surprise your girlfriend by reenacting your very first date. It’s not always good to leave the past in the past.

6. Get Intimate

The holy grail of bonding is being intimate with each other. If you are feeling disconnected and distant, it’s likely to show up in your sex life. Build a stronger connection again by becoming more intimate. Try out new positions, new places and just start touching each other again.

7. Put Yourself In Your Partner’s Shoes

The ability to feel sympathy and empathy, both of which are different, is something that’ll help you greatly throughout your relationship. Learning how to build a strong relationship with your partner takes time, but is doable. Don’t be too quick to judge, have a little bit of patience, imagine what it would be like to you if your partner had to some of the things to you that you may be saying to him. It’s not difficult to then feel empathy if you’ve managed to feel what your partner may be feel.

8. Build A High Level Of Trust

This should probably be the first point. Without trust, your relationship will never go anywhere. There will always be some level of checking up on each other, keeping a part of your heart to yourself, and most of your thoughts for yourself.

It’s no way to be in a relationship, regardless of how serious it may be. Build a high level of trust through certain trust exercises – specifically dedicated to strengthening your relationship. You won’t regret it, trust me.

9. Realize We All Have Flaws

Look, no one’s perfect. The sooner you accept it, the easier your life will be – including the lives of those around you. It may be that you have extremely high expectations for yourself.

You have always had to be the best at everything, without a flaw – for whatever reason. However, you’re in a relationship with an imperfect human being who will make mistakes. The sooner you stop judging your boyfriend for those and accept him for who he is, the sooner you’ll experience a closer bond.

10. Talk More About The Important Things Of Life

Dig deep into the core of your relationship. Talk about children, a future together, dreams. Things that matter more that the choice of movie to watch on a Friday night. You’ll be surprised how strong your relationship can grow from having deep, important conversations. Conversations that’ll make or break your relationship.

It may not always be easy to face your relationship head-on. There may be a few things that are worth hiding or forgetting, but if you want to find out how to build a strong relationship with your boyfriend, you’re going to have to expose even the most uncomfortable topics in order to get to the heart of your relationship.

Remember, relationships are hard work. It’s not all butterflies in your stomach and flowers on your doorstep. In fact, the more time you spend together, the less it becomes like the fairytale you may have imagined.