Three secrets to making your relationship last

INSIDER asked professional matchmakers about the secrets to lasting, fulfilling relationships. Here's what they had to say

Physical affection changes your brain chemistry (iStock/Getty Images)

Finding love is no easy task, but helping other people meet that special someone can be even harder. Today's “modern matchmakers” have a lot to consider when setting people up in the hope of sparking connections that last.

There are, however, a few tricks of the trade.

INSIDER asked professional matchmakers what they think the secrets to lasting, fulfilling relationships are. Here's what they had to say.

“Chemistry is the cement that keeps it together.”

“Life is a lot of ups and downs and in betweens,” said matchmaker Chana Rose. “Chemistry is the cement that keeps it together. It's not something you have to define, but it definitely has to be there ... The chemistry factor is crucial.”

It's not just Rose's 30 years of experience in the field that back this up — science does, too.

A study published in the Journal of Social Psychological and Personality Science found that when couples reported being “very intensely in love,” physically affectionate behaviour was the top factor, even more so than the frequency of sex. Acts like hugging and kissing release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the “love hormone” because it promotes feelings of closeness and bonding.

“One star, one rock.”

When it comes to long-term compatibility, matchmaker Talia Goldstein focuses on how personalities fit together.

The founder of Three Day Rule abides by a rule of her own, which she calls “one star, one rock.” This means that in a relationship, one person is more vivacious and outgoing, while the other is more supportive and introverted.

People with big personalities often look for someone similar to them in that way, but Goldstein says that, that dynamic isn't usually successful.

“They have these very vivacious personalities, they're sort of the life of the party, and they want somebody just like them, but we find that, that doesn't work very well,” she said of the “stars.” “Typically, their best match is a confident, more introverted type that adores them and is there supporting them.”

“Stop yammering.”

E. Jean Carroll's no-nonsense advice delivered with her trademark flair has made Elle magazine's “Ask E. Jean” the longest-running advice column in American publishing today.

The way she sees it, people just talk too much.

The founder of Tawkify told INSIDER that while conversation can be an important way to make sure you're in tune with your partner, some things are best left unspoken.

“Stop yammering,” she said. “There's too much. This talking over every little thing is killing the fun. Shut up, be quiet, just enjoy one another. Oh my god, no wonder people break up left and right, they just talk the thing to death.”

• The fabulous life of 22-year-old British surfer Laura Crane
• 10 countries where you earn more as an expat than you would at home
• Irma destroyed so many plants entire Caribbean islands changed colour

Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2017. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.