Here's How You Can Tell Whether or Not Your Relationship Will Last

                          



At the beginning of a relationship, you're usually one of two minds. One, this person is the ONE and you envision bed and breakfasts, white picket fences and puppies in your future. Two, well, this person is the one for right now, nothing too serious, we're just having fun.

But those initial feelings might mean nothing. The first could easily turn into a nightmare, either far too clingy or so not available. While the second could surprise you and fun evolved into so much more.

The question is, is there a way you can tell from the beginning which of these relationships will last and which will fizzle?

                     
Professor Edward Lemay of the University of Maryland has come up with a forecast model of relationship commitment. According to Psychology Today, the study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Lemay suggests that our expectations of future happiness with our partner will determine how committed we are to the relationship.
              

In a nutshell, if the relationship is going through a bit of a stressful time (fighting, money problems, work issues, children, etc.), we are more likely to stick around if we think the relationship will improve and bring happiness in the future. Basically, your partner is worth the time and effort.

But if we don't see things improving, or it's only short-term and the times are more bad than good, we're less likely to put in the work and help make the relationship succeed.

                

As far as new relationships go, those who saw a happier future with their significant other reported more commitment on a daily basis, and again one year later. The research also showed that when people anticipate more future satisfaction in the relationship, they are less likely to behave destructively and are more likely to respond constructively.


                      

If you're happy or can see happiness in your future, that breeds positivity, which only enhances the stability of a relationship.

“People pursue relationships that are expected to bring pleasure and disengage from relationships that are expected to bring pain, and this can be seen in the effects of these expectations for the future on relationship commitment."

So if you want your relationship to last, your happiness — both current and future — is key. If you picture rocky times ahead, it's probably time to cut and run. But if all you get are good vibes, your relationship should be fine. Don't worry, be happy. Love will find a w

                



Denette Wilford is a writer dabbling in the worlds of television, celebrity gossip, parenting, food, love and sex. Her work has appeared in Huffington Post Canada, The Loop, The TV Junkies, 24 Hours Toronto and TV Guide Canada. Follow her on Twitter @DenetteWilford