5 Highly Powerful Habits of Happy Couples
By Stella Green Thompson
There’s no better and potent feeling than being in love and having a long-term relationship full of mutual respect, passion and trust. Have you ever seen couples in love and thought: “I wish to have what they have”. The thing is, no relationship is good as it is, as there is a lot of sacrifice and effort in order to make it last. All happy couples have habits and the ways that make them trust each other, so if you’re currently in a relationship or you simply wish to learn something new, here are five useful and powerful habits of happy couples:
1. They openly communicate
You can’t have a healthy relationship if you don’t communicate your needs and concerns. Many people are used to hiding their true feelings, so they often retort to passive aggressive behavior hoping it’ll resolve the issue (spoiler alert: it won’t). If your partner is doing something you find annoying or plainly unacceptable, you must talk to them about it and let them know how it makes you feel. Also, it’s important to use gentle and polite tone, so you won’t come across as too angry or condescending. Every couple that’s in a long-term relationship will tell you that the key to their longevity and happiness is communication and trust. Hiding things from your partner out of fear will only lead to resentment, which is something you definitely want to avoid.
2. They do things together (but not all the time)
Having mutual activities is something that you need to do if you want to have a fulfilling relationship. Whether it’s going hiking or traveling together, doing things in twos can make you grow closer and gain new experiences that can only strengthen your relationship. Similarly, cooking and watching movies is one of the most common activities that can bring you closer and help you learn more about each other’s preferences. Still, sometimes it’s necessary to do things alone, so you’ll learn how to appreciate the presence of another.
3. Giving each other space is important
Like previously mentioned, doing things together can be crucial for the relationship, but so is giving each other space, especially if your partner likes something that you don’t. For example, it would be ludicrous to expect your boyfriend to accompany you to your hair and nails appointment and sit in the same room while you’re having a casual chat with your beautician. Similarly, if your boyfriend likes going to sports matches that you don’t like, then you should let him go alone, or with his friends, because otherwise you’ll be bored and miserable, which will make him feel stressed. You should appreciate your time and so stuff by yourself or with your group of friends, without your boyfriend being present. In return, you should also let him do the same, because if you don’t, things can accumulate and eventually lead to a disaster.
4. Doing things for one another
Buying gifts for birthdays and anniversaries is a given, but sometimes it’s necessary to surprise your partner with something cute and small, such as their favorite chocolate. Also, you should expect the same from them. These things can keep the romance fresh and alive, especially after a lot of years of dating. You don’t need to spend a lot on a surprise, just make sure to remember what they like and give that when they feel don’t expect it. If you prefer being spoiled now and then, it’s important to let them know, so you can be sure that they understand your needs.
5. Commemorating a relationship
If you’ve been together for a long time, there are ways to officiate your relationship without actually tying the knot. Some prefer to wear cute matching bracelets for couples, while others prefer matching tattoos or non-matrimonial rings. There are many ways of showing commitment, so feel free to research and experiment until you find something that works for both of you. But, it’s important to actually cherish and respect each other because if not, your displays of commitment won’t have any effect.
6. Listening and caring as a journey, not as a goal
One of the most important factors to a happy and long relationship is listening to your partner and caring for their needs. Of course, you should expect the same in return, and if you feel like you’re not getting it, then you must have a conversation about it. So, if your partner had a bad day at work, make sure to listen, sometimes without offering an advice, because some people just want to be listened to, without being told what to do. That’s why it’s necessary to listen and care all the time, and if you feel like your partner is failing to do it, make sure to try again, until they learn how to do it, and remember that even baby steps count.
Conclusion
Nobody says that being in a relationship isn’t difficult, and even though some happy couples make it seem like it’s really effortless, you need to remember that even they have their bad days. That’s why it’s important to discuss the issues and be kind to one another, because if not, it can cause both of you to feel frustrated. Love is important, but keep in mind that so are compassion, caring and honesty.