Alexandra Plesa
Anyone can fall in love.
Staying in love, however, proves to be a much trickier endeavor.
Yet, there are couples who seem to have mastered the art of being in a relationship.
They’re stronger together, giving the impression that nothing could ever pull them apart.
What’s their secret?
Here are 9 habits of power couples that keep them happy and in love, according to psychology.
It takes more than feelings to fuel an enduring partnership.
1) They are honest with each other
Honesty is a cornerstone habit for power couples.
It fosters trust and reliability, two crucial pillars for healthy, resilient relationships.
Power couples who practice honesty are more likely to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly.
This transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and resolve conflicts in a more effective manner.
Plus, relationship experts point out that it enables authenticity, as hiding parts of yourself from your significant other generally spells trouble.
While it’s natural to want to present the best version of yourself when you start dating, you shouldn’t put up a front.
Let your partner get to know the real you, and give them a chance to fall in love with all your quirks and imperfections.
After all, they’re what make you unique.
2) They keep the lines of communication open at all times
When couples communicate openly, they create a safe space for expressing emotions and discussing issues.
This safe space encourages vulnerability, an essential ingredient for building emotional intimacy.
Have you ever been with someone emotionally unavailable?
They may seem like they’re willing to reveal their true self – but the more you try to get to know them, the more you realize there are parts of them you just can’t reach.
Power couples are open with each other, with no topic of conversation off the table.
They don’t keep secrets and they always double-check that they’re on the same page.
They make each other a priority.
Which brings me to my next point.
3) They spend quality time together
No matter how busy they might get, power couples regularly check in with each other and make time to connect.
This dedicated time together helps them escape the routine stresses of daily life and focus on each other, strengthening their relationship.
Before I broke up with my ex-boyfriend, I noticed him slowly pulling away.
We still talked regularly, but he became less generous with the amount of time we spent together in person.
He had plenty of good excuses. He was overwhelmed, tired, or drowning in work.
I tried to be supportive and understanding, but after a while, it became clear that he stopped caring about making things work.
According to psychology, quality time enhances a couple’s connection and relieves stress.
A lack of it, meanwhile, leads to disaster.
4) They don’t sacrifice their independence
As important as quality time together may be, you don’t have to spend every free moment you have in your partner’s company.
In fact, it’s generally a red flag if you do.
Power couples understand that it’s difficult for one person to meet 100% of their needs.
Besides making sure that their relationship is thriving, they also invest time and energy into various other aspects of their lives.
Their careers, friends, hobbies.
They don’t sacrifice their independence just because they might have met “the one.”
Psychology teaches us that balancing personal time and couple time is key to living a well-rounded, fulfilling life.
Don’t lose your identity as you transition from a “me” to a “we.”
5) They assess their relationship regularly
People change over time. So do relationships.
Regularly assessing the relationship is a habit for power couples, who know that checking in will keep their love strong.
Check-ins come with several benefits:
- They allow the couple to address small issues before they escalate, preventing long-term resentment
- They enable the couple to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to grow together
- They reinforce commitment and show that both partners are invested in maintaining their connection
It might sound a little too corporate, but sitting down every now and then to chat about how things are going ensures that you and your partner continue to be on the same track.
Something to think about.
6) They share responsibilities
According to psychology, division of labor is one of the topics couples argue about most.
Power couples share responsibilities equally to prevent unnecessary conflicts and minimize frustration.
If they live together, they plan and coordinate shared activities such as grocery shopping, cooking, home maintenance, or errands.
Even if they don’t, they still divide responsibilities related to shared goals or interests, such as planning trips or supporting each other’s personal projects.
That said, responsibilities don’t have to be split 50-50.
Maybe a partner works more than the other or is going through challenges and it’s up to their boo to pick up the slack.
That’s understandable and definitely not the end of the world.
Power couples know how to work together, not against each other.
It’s what a healthy relationship is all about.
7) They work as a team to conquer common goals
Speaking of working together, power couples make a great team.
They take time to discuss and set joint goals, whether they pertain to their careers, finances, personal development, or family planning.
They share the same vision about the future, which gives them a clear direction in life.
Not only that but they ensure their goals are aligned with their core values, which helps them stay motivated and committed to their shared journey.
They’re flexible, approach problems with an open mind, and support each other every step of the way.
According to psychology, couples thrive when partners focus on the relationship as a unit and downplay the more selfish “what’s in it for me” mentality.
Compromises and occasional sacrifices come with the territory.
If you want your relationship to last, you and your boo have to learn how to collaborate to make your desired future a reality.
8) They express gratitude for each other
Expressing gratitude is another vital habit for power couples, as it reinforces positive feelings and solidifies their bond.
Psychologists insist that gratitude strengthens relationships of any kind – and we all know how nice it is when someone thanks us for being a part of their life.
If you’re looking for a boost in relationship satisfaction, take the time to make your significant other feel appreciated.
It’s not rocket science:
- Make it a point to compliment your partner on their qualities, achievements, or efforts
- Surprise your partner with their favorite treat or a special date night
- Engage in activities that your partner enjoys, showing appreciation for their interests
- Don’t be stingy with physical affection
- Tell them how lucky you are to have them around
Words of affirmation and thoughtful gestures will never go out of style.
9) They celebrate each other along the way
Building a loving and lasting relationship takes work, so it’s a good idea to celebrate each milestone.
Modern dating keeps trying to convince us that a more suitable match may be only a swipe away.
If you hit a bump in your relationship, it can be tempting to abandon ship instead of putting in the effort required to mend fences.
But power couples know better than that.
Each obstacle they tackle brings them closer together.
And once they’re out of the storm, they celebrate the fact that they’re still marching forward, hand in hand.
Savoring small victories is just as significant as sticking together through tough times.
It’s what keeps you going.
Bottom line
There’s no surefire recipe for lasting love, but the habits above will go a long way toward sustaining your bond with your partner.
Prioritize connection, treat each other with respect, and make sure you both want the same things from the future.
As long as your foundation is solid, you have a much better chance of keeping your love alive over time.
Together, you’ll become a force to be reckoned with.
