If you and your S.O. do this, you’ll probably be together forever

Whenever you see a happy couple who has been married for a long time, you probably have the urge to ask them how they got to this point. Because as great as you and your S.O. are together, it’s not uncommon to wonder whether you have what it takes to make it to the finish line.

Relationship coach Tara Caffelle talked to POPSUGAR about the glue that holds couples together, and she said it’s all about a strong foundation.

If you and your S.O. love and respect each other as friends first and foremost, you’re off to a really good start.

"Couples who are friends, who have a lasting friendship, who deeply care about each other as people, not just sexual partners to be married to, when they have this deeper basis, everybody benefits," Caffelle said.

As important as sex is in a relationship, it shouldn’t be the primary driving force behind you and your SO. Having mutual respect and sharing a deep level of trust are much more important qualities, and you’ll likely achieve those if you’re caring friends who are always there for each other.

Caffelle said this kind of relationship is “more enduring and durable and fulfilling for both” individuals.

This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any time or energy you put into your other friends, because there’s certainly room for both kinds of relationships. But just make sure neither you nor your S.O. forgets to make your relationship — your friendship, in fact — a priority.

Do that and you just might be together forever.