According to research, basic behaviours like keeping in touch during the day and going to bed at the same time will help your relationship thrive. While this may seem obvious, many therapists and psychologists stress the importance of these small acts in developing closeness and confidence. Find an approach that works with your relationship dynamic and begin incorporating these behaviours.
1. Practice free and open communication
This is because relationship experts consider contact to be a critical component of any relationship. It helps your partner to understand all of your worries, goals, and values, and it allows you both to communicate disagreements. Communication involves not only communicating but also constantly listening to your companion without interruptions (i.e. your phone).
2. Cultivate shared interests
It seems that similar behaviours or points of view on topics are a formula for a good relationship. According to some studies, any behaviours that are stress-free and increase your closeness are correlated with happier relationships. This is dependent on how committed you both are to the activity, as it will only help to keep your relationship intact and safe if you both want to share relationship activities.
3. Keep in touch throughout the day
Texting a compliment, a funny picture that made you laugh, or just a supportive comment to your partner can build a sense of closeness. Simply texting them to let them know you’re thinking about them will help reinforce the bond and make them feel more comfortable with the relationship.
It also appears that responsiveness is an important aspect of any intimate partnership. That is, listening to and accepting your partner’s messages is important.
4. Pay attention to the little things
This may mean that you may begin to notice your partner’s subtle queues and needs that you were previously unaware of. These are known as “bids,” which are subtle gestures your partner sends to get your attention, ranging from a smile to an open query. Allowing them to go unnoticed can breed frustration because they should believe their needs are not being met when they reach out.
5. Do chores together
Housework tends to be shared more between a couple today than it was a few decades ago, as men are more likely to help out at home. It’s not surprising that research has found that couples are happier when they share housework, especially dishwashing. It appears that sharing everyday chores is important for a successful marriage.
6. Compliment each other
Gratitude and love for one another is a vital cornerstones for every relationship. This can range from telling them how good they are to complimenting their appearance and clothing to sharing how much you admire them. According to studies, this will benefit couples who have poor self-esteem, which can potentially strengthen the relationship.
7. Laugh together
We’ve all heard that laughter can be the social glue that holds all relationships together and puts us closer together. In reality, it has been discovered that laughing together brings people closer together because it makes you feel like you see the world in the same way. Laughter, it seems, brings you closer to the one you love and strengthens your bond.
8. Show appreciation
9. Resolve your arguments the same day
Love is not always a paradise, and when disputes arise, it is important to settle them in a healthy manner. One crucial approach is to ensure that you have addressed it and, if possible, settled the problem together on the same day. In reality, it has been discovered that it is more difficult to get rid of negativity after a night’s sleep, so it is best not to let it linger for a few days.
10. Make time to say hello and goodbye
It only takes a few seconds to show your partner how valuable they are. While it might seem to be a small detail, it can significantly improve the relationship by demonstrating that you missed them and are eager to see them again, even though they are tired.
Indeed, most couple counsellors emphasise the importance of greeting and saying goodbye to each other in order to prevent tension from developing between you. It will get you back together after a day apart and demonstrate that you care for each other.
11. Say I love you
By integrating these three words into your everyday interactions, you will show your partner how much you value them. You can also tell them how much you love them on a daily basis without really doing it. You will assist them in doing what they respect the most and what is most important to them; it may be as easy as keeping the kitchen tidy and clean.
12. Orchestrate surprises for each other
According to a study, couples are happiest when they perform small acts of kindness for one another and show respect and affection for one another. It also has the advantage of keeping the marriage or partnership alive and spontaneous rather than trapped in a routine. This can be as easy as purchasing their preferred snacks or preparing their preferred meal. These thoughtful gestures will bring you closer together.
13. Go to bed at the same time
According to research, this is part of the hidden recipe for a successful relationship. This is due to the fact that it will get you both into the same regular routine and provide you with uninterrupted time together to focus on each other.
Aside from sleeping at the same time, couples who get a good night’s sleep are happier together. Pillow talk has also been found to be very necessary for maintaining a happy and stable relationship.
Couples Therapy Questions
1. How would you describe your life together?
2. How would you describe your relationship in one sentence?
3. What’s standing in the way of your relationship being as good as you want it to be?
4. Are you currently happy? What could you do to be happier in your relationship?
5. Do you feel emotionally close to your partner?
6. Do you think your partner cares about you?
How long have you been with your partner? Which of these suggestions would you try first?
