1. Remember the small things
Another way to add meaning to your conversation is to truly listen to what your significant other is saying…and then bring up those little things again in the future. The fact that you pay attention to and remember even the minor details that your partner says will show how much you listen, care, and make your partner feel loved. Overall, the little things mean the most.
2. Laugh together
Relationships are just friendships with exclusivity. While loving each other is crucial, liking each other is important too. While the life-partner stuff (like dividing chores) or the romantic stuff (like holding hands) might be top priorities to improve your relationship, remember that the friendship stuff is just as important. Laugh together as often as possible. It can be a funny story that happened to you at work, bringing up an inside joke, or watching the show that makes you both enjoy. Laughing not only bonds us but also helps us remember that the point of being in a relationship is to enjoy the person we love.
3. Say “thank you”
Especially in relationships that have gone on for years and fall into routines, we can get so comfortable that we expect our partner to meet all of our needs. Saying a simple “thank you” for cleaning the dishes after dinner or giving you a compliment enforces their good behavior and makes them feel appreciated as well as helps you remember why you love them. It is also important to express appreciation and gratitude for them being in your life and how much they mean to you, not just what they do for you.
4. Ask your partner something new
Communication is arguably the #1 determining factor of success for every relationship. It is nice to ask how your partner’s day went, but it can feel routine when you ask the same thing every day. Enhance your relationship and communication by putting in the extra effort to question your significant other on something more specific. By asking new questions, you will avoid going through the motions, listen more intently to each other, and have discussions that are more meaningful
5. Show your affection
From grabbing your partner’s hand at a restaurant to going to bed together at the end of the night, you know how you feel about your partner, but they should be able to feel it as well. Physical touch goes a long way in keeping romance and connection alive in long-term relationships. In addition to your hellos and goodbyes, hug them unexpectedly, hold their hand in the car or while watching TV, or even just pat them on the arm to feel close. Physical closeness can translate to emotional closeness.
6. Learn your partner’s boundaries
Does your partner wish to be left alone when they are upset? Do they mind that you want to text all day long, or do they prefer you call them when you are apart at night? These questions are simple, but the answers to them will help you understand your partner’s boundaries (and stop you from crossing them). Overall, your partner’s needs are most likely different from yours, and knowing their boundaries is the best way to respect them. Have conversations to explain your boundaries to each other, but also pay attention and ask questions to understand them better.
7. Designate a monthly date night
Between both of your busy schedules and nonstop responsibilities, the most foolproof way to guarantee that you make time for each other is to set a night every month dedicated to reigniting that spark. Whether you are looking to spice up your relationship or want to do something together that does not include Netflix, schedule a date. It is only one night out of the month, but the connection that comes from it will have long-term effects.
8. Make time to focus on yourself
How we feel about ourselves is how we will act in a relationship. For example, if you lack confidence in yourself, you will look for assurance in your relationship, or if you do not like to be alone with yourself, you’ll need to be around your significant other 24/7. To prevent any toxic behaviors, it is essential to have a strong sense of self: invest in a new hobby, make plans with some friends, and take steps in discovering (or re-discovering) who you are as a person.
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