A happy relationship is not something just for the movies; you can have it in your real life, with small things and everyday habits. When it comes to love, there is no set rule to follow, there are no guidelines that will fit every situation, which is when people get into trouble.
However, there are certain things that most happy couples do every day and that help their relationship work better.
1. They eat together
Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or all four, happy couples take time out of their busy schedules to sit down together and refuel. Growing up, my parents cooked a big meal almost every night, bringing the whole family into the kitchen for dinner. Looking back, I realize now that we were doing more than just sharing a meal; we were allotting ourselves time to bond and really get to know each other.
We tend to be happiest while feeding our hunger, which makes us more apt to open up and share what’s going on in our lives. That’s why going out to eat is such a popular pastime. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the company we keep while we’re there, which helps strengthen our relationship.
2. They check in
It doesn’t have to be every five seconds. Happy couples check in just enough to know that they’re there – it might be a little “I miss you” or “Thinking of you”message sent in the midst of a hectic workday. It doesn’t have to be flashy or super original, as long as it’s thoughtful.
3. They laugh
This might seem obvious, but real laughter is less common than you may think. And cackling at your girlfriend’s expense, or pity laughing at your boyfriend’s new joke, doesn’t count. It should come naturally.
One of the most important characteristics people look for in a partner is a good sense of humor. And most couples stay together when they know how to tickle one another’s funny bone. Life shouldn’t be serious all the time, especially when you have someone to help you find the humor.
A relationship without laughter is like a plant without water: it’s either dead or it’s dying.
4. They listen
No matter how tired, how stressed or how busy, happy couples listen to each other, especially when something is truly bothering the other person. I’ve observed unhappy couples at restaurants, who not only aren’t listening but aren’t even looking at each other! They’re either on their phones or staring out of the window, seemingly wishing to be anywhere else but at dinner together.
What is it keeping these kinds of people in relationships? Is it boredom? Fear? It’s certainly not happiness.
The greatest, most eye-opening conversations you may ever have with your partner could happen when you least expect it. It could be at 3 AM, when you both happen to turn over in bed, or at a bar in the midst of a rowdy crowd of people. If your ears aren’t always open, you might just miss the best thing they’ve ever said.
5. They touch each other
It doesn’t have to be excessive; in fact, it probably shouldn’t be. No one wants to watch you making out at the movies. Holding hands is enough. Kissing each other’s forehead is sufficient. As long as there is some physical exchange of love, both partners will feel secure in the relationship.
6. They say goodnight
Even after a big fight or from 100 miles away. They want to be the last person to say it before laying their head to rest. They say goodbye like it’s the last time because they know how unpredictable life can be. And they don’t take each other’s presence for granted.
7. They root for each other
Whether it’s wishing good luck at a job interview or supporting the decision not to leave bed all day, happy couples back each other up 100% of the time. That’s the whole reason we seek out relationships, isn’t it? To find someone who will stand beside us no matter what, who will motivate us when the voices inside our own head aren’t helping? They’re meant to be our #1 fans. They are our biggest support system. They make us happy every single day and for that, we make them happy back.