The amount of hard work and thought that goes into a successful relationship is not a secret for any couple that has been together for a couple of years. If you and your partner want to maintain a loving relationship that will only get better with time, you both will have to put in a lot of effort. Check out our list of 7 things every happy couple is familiar with, and make sure these things can be also seen in your relationship.
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1. Saying “I love you”
As you spend years or even decades together, daily proclamations of love can become a nuisance, and after some time a lot of couples stop saying “I love you” altogether. As soon as that happens, part of magic in the relationship is gone. Try to say “I love you” to each other at least once a day – for example, when your sweetheart is leaving for work. A text message on their phone or a line in a messaging app with the same phrase is also a great way to let them know you’re thinking about them.
2. Going to bed together
Not too many couple actually fall asleep together – there is always something else to do, like housework or computer games. But going to bed at the same time can become your couple’s cute little tradition where you spend some valuable time together before bed, talking about your day and cuddling. Don’t deprive yourself and your partner of these little moments of closeness.
3. Walking together
Usually couples walk together quite a lot. They go shopping, sightseeing, or simply breathing some fresh air together. However, you can tell a lot about a couple by the way they walk. Are they walking in line, holding hands and keeping to the same pace? This is a sign of true harmony in a relationship. Are they walking one after another, or is one partner dragging the other alone? You can be sure something is not right there.
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4. Being proud of their partner
A happy couple can often by spotted by the way one partner talks about the other one. Is he still saying she is the most beautiful and talented woman he’s ever known? Do her eyes light up with pride when she meets him after a day of hard work? Couples who still feel proud of their sweetheart even after years or even decades of being together are incredibly happy and will last for several decades more.
5. Having common interests
When you first got together, you probably shared a lot of favourite music, books, movies, activities, and tastes. With time tastes usually evolve, which means in five or ten years of being together your tastes may change, and there is not much connecting you with your sweetheart. These situations can be avoided by finding new common interests and hobbies. When you have something only the two of you share, it becomes a great ground for bonding and builds the foundation for a strong relationship.
6. Talking to each other
Communication is key for any relationship, even non-romantic ones, but it’s romantic relationships that benefit from honest and regular communication. It’s important to talk to your spouse many times during the day: in the morning when you’re getting ready for work, during the day to discuss the current events at home and at work, in the evening to talk about the day that has passed, and before sleep to discuss possible concerns or questions. Have an open discussion whenever you need to resolve an issue, and you’ll notice how much your relationship can benefit from regular communication.
7. Surprising each other
When your relationship is several years old, making an effort to surprise your spouse often seems like an unreasonable thing to do, but it’s actually one of the best things you can do for your relationship. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift or an amazing vacation – a simple breakfast served in bed on a weekend, a pretty bouquet, a nice evening at her favourite restaurant – there are so many easy and effective ways to keep the sparkle alive in your relationship that you only need to put a little effort into making sure your couple is the happiest one around.
