How to Not Screw Up Your Relationship, According to the Guy Who Wrote "Love Actually"

There's a reason why Richard Curtis' rom-coms are new classics.

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Image via Complex Original
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Richard Curtis has inadvertently played Cupid a million times. He's given men inspiration for grand romantic gestures and talked couples down from their high—the result of so many movies, surely—expectations of each other. Even if you don't recognize the English director by name, you know his movies: Four Weddings and a FuneralNotting Hill, Bridget Jones' Diary, Love Actually, and About Time, which is in theaters now.

If you've found your love on the rocks, and especially strained this holiday season, revisit some of Richard Curtis's classics for tips on how to not screw up your relationship.

To at least get her to like you, no matter what she says, tell her she's perfect. "Am I too fat?" "No, you're perfect." "Do you think I was too mean?" "No, you're perfect."

GIF via A Moment of Peace

Emotions show strength. Shedding tears over every little crack in the sidewalk shows insanity.

GIF via All the Lies I've Told

If your girl likes something you know nothing about, fake it until you can learn everything about it, too.

GIF via Everytime I Come in the Kitchen

In the meantime, do anything in your power to make her laugh.

GIF via Dauntless Leader

Make sure your partner knows where you want this to go.

GIF via The Great Boyfriend Hunt

It's cool to admit you want to take it slow, as long as you're not a dick about it. 

GIF via Scenes That Once Made the Difference

Don't cheat. 

GIF via A Fan Stuff 

But if you're stupid and already have, at least make some effort to show you're still invested in them.

GIF via A Fan Stuff

Dancing out of no where is always romantic. It doesn't even matter if the subway station smells like pee. 

GIF via OAH

Also, stamina in bed is underrated. No one likes to snog a lazy lay.

GIF via About Time Film

Don't break plans, even if you aren't prepared for what the date actually is.

GIF via Open the Fantasyland Castle

Cheesy lines work, but don't overuse them. It diminshes the effect and makes you seem like a stage-five clinger.

GIF via Amalie Sofia Vestergaard

But sometimes it's better to just smile and not say anything.

GIF via Fuck Yeah Julia Roberts

Appearance is half the battle of maintaining a passionate relationship.

GIF via Daily Pop In

As in, don't let your mom dress you for a date.

GIF via Honorary Death Eater

But at least look presentable. 

GIF via Tropical Rainstorm

Always know what your lady wants from the bar.

GIF via Dan Danjunicorn

Kissing is the greatest form of foreplay (besides the actual greatest form of foreplay that they can't show in movies that aren't rated NC-17).

GIF via Mr. Golightly

The most basic rule: accept that a person's shittiness is part of who they are.

GIF via Beliecs

Finally, sucker punch any and all competition. Obviously.

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