The key is to be totally open and honest with yourself first and with your partner.

I'm celebrating 3 years with my girlfriend after a 7 year relationship where I had my heart broken many times.

On the first date, we threw EVERY THING on the table and discussed.

It helped we had met years ago, so we were able to fast forward through some stuff.

3 years in, never a doubt she is the right on and the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Communication and honesty and not taking each other for granted.