If you really want a happy and successful relationship, psychology says start doing these 8 things every day

Building and maintaining a happy and successful relationship can be one of the most difficult journeys you embark on. You love someone and want to keep that love strong and alive. But sometimes, despite all your efforts, things just don’t seem to work out.

You’ve read all the self-help books and relationship guides out there, but it’s like trying to solve a riddle that keeps changing its answer. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

But here’s the good news.

Psychology has got your back. There are simple, everyday actions backed by scientific research that can transform your love life for the better.

In this article, we’re going to explore these 8 things you should start doing every day if you really want a happy and successful relationship.

Sure, it might not be easy to incorporate them at first, but with time and patience, you will see how significantly they can improve your relationship.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started…

1) Practice active listening

We all love to talk, don’t we? Especially about ourselves. But when it comes to a relationship, communication is not just about expressing yourself, it’s also about understanding your partner.

Active listening is not just about hearing the words your partner is saying, but also understanding the emotions and intentions behind those words. It’s about giving your full attention, showing empathy, and responding appropriately.

This might sound simple, but it’s surprising how many of us forget to do this in our daily interactions. Our minds are often preoccupied with a thousand other things – work stress, daily chores, social media, and whatnot.

But here’s the thing. When you actively listen to your partner, you’re not just understanding their point of view, you’re also showing them that they’re valued and their opinions matter.

So next time your partner wants to share something with you, make sure you put down your phone, look into their eyes, and listen with all your heart. It will make a world of difference in your relationship.

2) Show appreciation often

We often think that our partner knows how much we appreciate them, but do we actually express it enough? Let me share a personal experience.

I used to believe that my husband knew how much I valued him. After all, I loved him deeply, cared for him, and was committed to our relationship. But one day, during a heart-to-heart conversation, he admitted that he sometimes felt taken for granted.

That hit me hard.

I started making a conscious effort to express my appreciation for him more frequently. It wasn’t about grand declarations of love – just simple things. A thank you for taking out the trash, a compliment on how well he handled a difficult situation at work, or just a hug out of the blue to show him that I care.

And guess what happened? Our relationship became stronger and happier than ever before.

Showing appreciation is not just about saying thank you. It’s about acknowledging the efforts your partner puts into the relationship and making them feel valued and loved. So don’t hold back your words of praise and appreciation. They can do wonders for your relationship!

3) Embrace and encourage growth

There’s a quote by American author and motivational speaker, Leo Buscaglia, that I absolutely love. He said, “Change is the end result of all true learning.”

Growth and change are an integral part of life and, by extension, our relationships too. It’s only natural for you and your partner to evolve over time. The key is to embrace this growth, both individually and as a couple.

Think about it.

As human beings, we’re constantly learning and evolving. Every day brings new experiences, new lessons, new perspectives. All these changes impact us at a deep level, shaping our personality, our worldview, and our attitudes.

Your relationship should be a safe space where this growth is nurtured and encouraged.

So rather than resisting change or feeling threatened by it, try to view it as an opportunity to learn more about your partner and grow closer together. Seek out new experiences together, learn from each other, and support each other’s personal aspirations.

After all, a happy and successful relationship is not about being stagnant but about growing together in harmony.

4) Maintain a sense of humor

Did you know that laughter has a powerful impact not just on our health but also on our relationships?

Research has shown that couples who laugh together often have a stronger relationship. It’s not just about sharing a good chuckle over a joke or a funny incident. It’s about finding joy in each other’s company, about lightening the mood when things get tough, about not taking life too seriously all the time.

Laughter promotes a positive emotional connection between partners. It helps in reducing stress, resolving conflicts, and enhancing intimacy.

The key?

Make humor an essential part of your everyday life. Watch a comedy movie together, share funny anecdotes, and tease each other playfully. Let laughter fill your home and your hearts.

And remember, a day without laughter is a day wasted!

5) Keep the adventure alive

Life can be a routine. We wake up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, and repeat. It’s easy to fall into this pattern and let it dictate our lives and by extension, our relationships.

But here’s the thing – routines can be comforting, but they can also make life monotonous. And monotony is not the best recipe for a happy and successful relationship.

That’s why it’s so important to keep the adventure alive in your relationship.

It doesn’t have to be all about exotic vacations or adrenaline-pumping activities (though those can be fun too!). It can be as simple as trying a new recipe together, going for a midnight drive, or exploring a part of your city you’ve never been to before.

The idea is to break the routine every now and then and do something different together. This not only helps in creating memorable experiences but also brings you closer as a couple.

6) Make time for each other

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s not uncommon to get caught up in our personal tasks and forget to spend quality time with our partners. But this can be detrimental to a relationship.

Making time for each other is not just about being physically present. It’s about being emotionally available for your partner. It’s about setting aside distractions and focusing on each other.

This could mean having a quiet dinner together, going for a walk, or simply cuddling on the couch while watching your favorite movie. The activity itself is not as important as the fact that you’re spending time together, connecting on a deeper level.

7) Speak your partner’s love language

We all express and receive love in different ways. Dr. Gary Chapman, a renowned relationship expert, identified these as the five love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch.

Understanding your partner’s love language can make a world of difference in how you communicate your love for them.

For instance, if your partner’s love language is words of affirmation, they will deeply appreciate it when you express your love and appreciation through words.

On the other hand, if their love language is acts of service, they will feel loved when you do things like helping them with chores or cooking them a meal.

Speaking your partner’s love language is not about changing who you are or what you’re comfortable with. It’s about understanding how your partner feels loved and appreciated and making an effort to communicate your love in that manner.

So take some time to learn about your partner’s love language and try to speak it every day. It may require some effort initially, but it will definitely be worth it!

8) Cultivate mutual respect

At the heart of every happy and successful relationship lies a strong foundation of mutual respect. It’s about valuing your partner for who they are, acknowledging their thoughts and feelings, and treating them with kindness and understanding.

Respect is not just about big things like agreeing on major decisions or supporting each other’s dreams. It’s also about small everyday actions – like listening when your partner talks, giving them space when they need it, or not criticizing them in front of others.

Mutual respect cultivates a safe environment where both partners feel valued, heard, and loved. It fosters trust, promotes open communication, and reduces conflicts.

Make it a point to show respect to your partner every day – in your words, actions, and attitude. And remember, respect is a two-way street. It’s not just about respecting your partner but also about being respectful towards yourself.

Because at the end of the day, a relationship is not just about love. It’s about respect, understanding, and kindness. And these are the things that truly make a relationship happy and successful.

Final reflections

Building a happy and successful relationship doesn’t happen by chance. It’s not about finding the perfect partner but about making an effort every single day.

Each of the eight actions we’ve discussed here is simple, but their impact on your relationship can be profound.

Active listening, showing appreciation, embracing growth, maintaining a sense of humor, keeping the adventure alive, making time for each other, speaking your partner’s love language, and cultivating mutual respect – these are not just actions, they are choices.

Choices that you make every day to nurture your relationship and keep it strong.

So start today. Choose to nurture your relationship. Choose to express gratitude. Choose to love consciously and intentionally.

Isabella Chase

Isabella Chase, a New York City native, writes about the complexities of modern life and relationships. Her articles draw from her experiences navigating the vibrant and diverse social landscape of the city. Isabella’s insights are about finding harmony in the chaos and building strong, authentic connections in a fast-paced world.

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