5 Habits To Keep Relationships Thriving
“Valentine’s Day is over … now what.” Having moments to extravagantly celebrate love is fun. Big gestures and exciting trips can be helpful to keep romantic relationships thriving, but keeping a relationship flourishing is almost impossible without the foundation of healthy habits. In this blog post, we want to help you move past getting stuck focusing only on the big days. Below are five different habits you could try to incorporate into your most important relationship. Don’t try to do all of them when you’re done reading. Select one habit to do regularly for a month. Then observe how it has impacted your relationship.
Habit 1: Daily Connection
According to John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationship expert, spending just six hours a week engaged in intentional and meaningful interactions with your partner can lead to a better relationship. One way to achieve this is by picking a habit to do daily. This could be a morning coffee together or taking a walk in the evening. This daily ritual helps couples to stay connected even amidst their busy lives. Make it a priority and try it for a month. Observe changes, and make adjustments accordingly.
Habit 2: Stress-Reducing Conversations
All of us face stress in our daily lives. When we don't communicate our stress, it can manifest in other ways, often negatively impacting our relationships. To combat this, John Gottman recommends creating a daily stress-reducing conversation. This is a dedicated time to talk about what is stressing each of you and any ways that you can help one another alleviate stress.
Habit 3: Small Acts of Kindness and Appreciation
Small acts of kindness and appreciation can go a long way in maintaining a healthy relationship. Make it a habit to show your partner appreciation and affection, even in the small things. This could be as simple as thanking them for cooking dinner or bringing them a cup of tea in the morning. Consider keeping a journal so you can be intentional about what you share. You’ll likely find it much easier to find the positive elements of your partner the more you practice gratitude.
Habit 4: Weekly Date Nights
It can be easy to fall into a routine with your partner, and date nights can help shake things up and keep things fresh. Date nights don't have to be extravagant or expensive, but they should be intentional. It could be as simple as trying a new restaurant, going for a walk, or watching a movie together.
Habit 5: Shared Dreams and Aspirations
Couples who share their dreams and aspirations tend to have stronger relationships. Make it a habit to have regular conversations about what you both want in the future, both individually and as a couple. This helps to keep both partners focused on their shared goals and creates a sense of unity and teamwork.Want even more ideas you could implement? Click here for an article with more ideas. If you found a habit you’re drawn to, then commit to it and try adding it to your daily or weekly routine with your partner. By incorporating any one of these five habits into your daily routine, you can create a healthier relationship with your partner. While these habits may seem small and insignificant, they can add up over time to make a big impact. Additionally, by focusing on small daily habits, you are more likely to stay connected with your partner, avoid drifting apart and maintain a deep and meaningful relationship.However, it is important to note that success is not guaranteed. Despite our best efforts, we may still encounter failures or challenges along the way. For example, you and your partner may struggle to find time for date nights or stress-reducing conversations. It is important to be patient with each other and to continue trying new things until you find what works best for your relationship.Creating habits for a healthier relationship is an ongoing process. By incorporating small daily rituals, such as stress-reducing conversations, acts of kindness, and date nights, you can create a stronger bond with your partner. Remember to be patient with each other, and keep an open mind.We’re always here to support your relationship however we can! CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation. We believe that “the best is yet to come” can be said for your relationship!