Tip #14

Agree on difference.

Some people claim that a couple need to have similar religious beliefs to be successful. Some claim it's similar child-rearing techniques, or tastes in breakfast food, or how to spend money, or books.

In my opinion, it's not the number of similarities or differences that culminates in a stable long-term relationship, it's if you and your partner have similar views on being different.

While having things in common with your partner is rarely detrimental, don't be lulled into thinking that similar tastes guarantee relationship harmony. Or the opposite, being drastically different people doesn't necessarily spell out doom for your coupledom.

The important thing is that you're both comfortable with certain differences.

For example, you could both have strong and very different religious beliefs but if you're both equally comfortable that your religions are different (and feel no need to convert the other), then there really isn't a reason you can't forge a strong relationship.

Besides, the great thing about differences is that you get to experience new things. Where would the fun be in dating someone who did everything you did?