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The One Thing You Need To Make Your Relationship Last
New research uncovers the true secret of happy couples. So, what's the real reason one relationship lasts and another doesn't?

by Women’s Health

January 4, 2016

By Korin Miller

New research uncovers the true secret of happy couples.

There are so many reasons why certain relationships just work – mutual admiration and trust, great sex, a shared obsession with Game of Thrones. But new research has found that one element in particular makes it more likely that you’ll stay with your significant other: being friends.

The science

Two new studies published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that couples who place a high value on friendship with their partner are more committed, more in love, and more sexually satisfied than those who aren’t friends with their BF or GF.

READ MORE: “I Cheated On My Husband – And This Is Why I Did It”

For the first study, researchers at Purdue University had 190 students who had been in a relationship for an average of 18 months fill out surveys to gauge how dedicated they were in their relationship, how much they had invested in it, and where they hoped it would go.

The results

Researchers followed up in four months and found that a whopping 27 percent were no longer with that same person. When scientists dove into the survey results, they found that those who were still together were more likely to score high in the friendship, romantic commitment, love and sexual satisfaction elements.

READ MORE: The 5 Love Languages Might Completely Transform Your Relationship – Here’s How

For the second study, researchers asked 184 students who had been in a relationship for at least 16 months to rate how much they value companionship, sex, security, self-improvement, and experiencing new things with their partner. Those who said friendship was crucial in a relationship also scored higher for romantic commitment and sexual fulfillment.

The bottom line?

Attraction is important in a relationship, but if you really want to be with your partner for the long haul, it’s a good idea to date someone who’d also make a great BFF.

This is the reason why so many couples break up and get back together again. Plus: This is why people start to lose interest in sex, according to science.