Any relationship needs work, and even if you think you’ve found your soul mate things can’t always be perfect on their own. If you’re really invested in the state of your relationship, here’s what you can do to keep it happy in the long run.
Discover the most important secrets of happy couples and try to apply them to your relationship. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to navigate any conflicts and keep your connection strong. Try adopting these habits of happy couples and you’ll be glad you did.
1. Focusing on the Good Things
Nobody’s perfect, and your partner will always do things that disappoint you, but the key to a healthy and happy relationship is to not go looking for those things. Appreciating the good sides of your partner in an active way as opposed to criticising what he does wrong can lead to a more fulfilling relationship for both of you in the long run.
2. Using Terms of Endearment
They may be annoying to others, but terms of endearment are actually one of the best secrets of happy couples. By talking to each other using sweet pet names, you create a level of intimacy that none of you will look for outside of the relationship. Being vulnerable with terms or endearment that may sound ridiculous or stupid to others means that you’re really comfortable and trusting with each other.
3. Keeping Things Fresh
One of the biggest mistakes that most couples make after a few years together is settling into a bad kind of routine. When you think you already know what your partner thinks of everything, you’ll stop asking questions and you’ll grow apart. People change, so acting like you’ve just started dating and trying to find something new that your partner has to offer is always a good idea.
4. Letting Go of Grudges
Keeping grudges and allowing them to form a cloud over your relationship is detrimental for most couples. Knowing when to let go of a grudge or separate it from the daily interactions with your partner is one of the secrets of happy couples. Even if you’re really upset with your man, never shut him out completely.
See also: 10 Signs You Need Couples Therapy
5. Stepping Back from Social Media
British researchers have found that the average length of relationships has been on a steady decline ever since social media became mainstream. The main reason for the average relationship going down to 2 years and 9 months seems to be the time spent on social media. Ignoring your partner to focus on your smartphone isn’t really smart, and engaging too much on social media can actually hurt your relationship.
6. Doing Things Together
While having personal time is very important in any relationship, one of the secrets of happy couples is finding that common ground and enjoying things together. Whether it’s as simple as exercising together or watching a movie without any distractions, time spent together is very important for the long term happiness in your relationship.
7. Accepting Disagreements
Some issues and problems can’t be solved, and focusing on them is losing track of what’s important. Find a compromise or accept disagreements on a certain topic and move on. Focusing on those issues too much can make you both unhappy.
8. Going to Bed at the Same Time
One of the oldest secrets of happy couples is going to bed together every night. It helps maintain the intimacy, either though communication or touch, and that helps you stay connected and happy.
9. Professing and Showing Your Love Every Single Day
Saying “I love you” every single day is a must for a happy relationship, but showing your love is just as important. Be physically affectionate with your partner. A hug or a kiss after a hard day at work can make you feel loved more than a lot of other grand gestures.
More: How to Avoid Arguing with Your Partner
10. Not Taking Each Other for Granted
Mutual respect is definitely one of the most important secrets of happy couples. If you take each other for granted, the long term prospects aren’t that good. It might feel like an effort to go out of your way to show your guy how much you care for him, but it won’t go unnoticed and it can strengthen your relationship in more than one way.
