18 Relationship Tips From The Happiest Couples On Earth
It's good for you, and good for your relationship.
Arina Krasnikova / Pexels When it comes to relationships, many of us are on the constant search for "the one" so that we may live "happily ever after." The truth is that we are looking at all the wrong places because, believe it or not, the answers are inside each of us.
If you really want to have a healthy relationship, you need to follow certain relationship tips. And the following principles practiced by happy couples will encourage you to evaluate your expectations.
Here are 18 relationship tips from the happiest couples on earth.
1. People in happy relationships respect each other.
Without mutual respect, a relationship is doomed for failure. Mutual respect in a relationship means treating one another with admiration, acceptance, and high regard.
To have a happy relationship, you must respect each other's ideas and decisions with an undercurrent of love and trust, knowing that you have each other's goodness at heart.
2. They adapt — together.
It is common knowledge that we each grow as our relationship evolves. That's just part of living your lives together, right? You are bound to experience personal growth and growth as a couple, and it's not a bad thing at all.
Don't fight this; rather, embrace each other, give each other room, and keep an open mind and an open heart.
3. They are courteous.
Real happiness has its foundation on the altar of understanding and kind words. Even if you do not agree with your partner, merely displaying calm silence, sincerity, and courteous words show that you care.
Happy couples don't waste their time getting angry at one another when they disagree. Instead, they find common ground and move forward.
4. Healthy relationships demand that partners listen more.
Talking and acting from your own viewpoint most of the time, instead of trying to see the other's side, shows a lack of care and understanding. And a lack of empathy in a relationship is a recipe for disaster.
This does not mean that you compromise on your own ideals and inner peace. A really good relationship tip is agreeing to disagree, as this is a quality that can be cultivated within a partnership, especially with compassion and empathy.
Photo: Satumbo 9 / Pexels
5. They quit playing the blame game.
When you find yourself in an unpleasant situation, it's best to get out of it as graciously as you can. To focus on the issue and blow things out of proportion is fruitless. For happy couples, they refrain from blaming one another.
You can teach people to mend their faults a hundred times better by setting a good example than you can by harsh or self-righteous words.
6. They practice self-awareness.
It is a great practice to reflect once in a while on what you are contributing to your relationship. Are you an equal partnership, or is there room for improvement? These are the types of questions happy couples ask themselves on a daily basis.
Look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are being judgmental, hypercritical, unfair, defensive, and unkind. Constantly course correct.
7. Each partner in a healthy relationship admits their mistakes.
As most relationship tips will tell you, this is one of the hardest things to do, especially when you know you are wrong. Nobody enjoys admitting they weren't right, but would you rather be right or would you rather stay in your relationship?
This simple gesture will bring you peace of mind and increase love and acceptance in your relationship.
8. They celebrate each other.
With the busyness of life, it's easy to forget to celebrate one another. But doing so can create a closer bond, and remind you of why you got together in the first place.
Lift each other up and celebrate the small and large victories together. Sharing is caring. Be happy for each other.
9. They forgive often.
Mark Twain said it best: "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." Forgiving, by its very act, makes you the bigger person.
Sometimes you forgive even though you know your partner is wrong. You forgive the other not for their sake, but for your own. The inner peace you attain as a result makes it all worthwhile.
10. Healthy partners love to be loved.
If you wish to be loved, start loving yourself first. It's the number one priority before allowing yourself to give your heart to another person.
Whatever you want others to be, first be that yourself, and then you will find others responding in like manner to you. When each partner wants to see the other happy, loving each other comes naturally.
Photo: Elina Fairytale / Pexels
11. They are careful about how they react.
The way you react to a situation determines the outcome. Emotional reactivity can throw a wrench in a happy relationship and even be detrimental to your mental health. But you don't need to let your emotions control you.
If the outcome is not to your liking, then respond differently. Instead of blaming the event or your partner, look honestly at yourself. The answers may surprise you.
12. They communicate early and often.
Sometimes we allow anger and resentment to fester. When something is bothering you, it is best to communicate sooner rather than later. In communicating, use the word "I" and not "you."
By doing so, you are not accusing the other, merely stating how you feel. Such as "I am disappointed that..." "I resent..." "I hate it when..." or "I would love it if..."
13. People in healthy relationships appreciate each other.
Make a list of what you appreciate about your partner and your relationship. Write down what really makes you happy, and then read it often.
Sometimes it's the little things that we need to be reminded of that help bring back the reasons and the focus on why we fell in love in the first place. Speak it out and let them know how much they are appreciated.
14. They acknowledge and let go of each other's pasts.
We each have skeletons in our closets, instances and events that we are not too proud of or that have brought us sorrow or shame; relationships that have failed, or people that we would rather not be reminded of. But keeping those memories is sure to sour your relationship.
Let it all go. It does not serve your relationship. That was then, and this is now.
15. They do their best to exude peace.
To be at peace with one's immediate relations is the greatest of all happiness (next to divine happiness). Unless you are at peace with yourself, you cannot bring peace into your relationship.
Meditation, prayer, spiritual practice — each contributes to helping us achieve peace in our lives. Pray together and enjoy meals together. The more time you share together, the deeper your love for one another will grow.
Photo: Cup of Couple / Pexels
16. They share finances.
Be willing to share and be truthful and responsible in money matters. Even if one person makes more money than the other, each of you has an equal say about joint expenses in the household.
You decide to agree on separate or joint accounts from the very get-go so that your mutual decision does not affect your relationship and intimacy in your lives. Don't let money tear apart your foundation.
17. Healthy couples are best friends first.
Life can bring many challenges. One of the most wonderful things about marriage and relationships is that you have each other to share your sorrows and joys with.
Keep your friendship strong by going on date nights together, talking, and laughing with each other. Remind one another frequently about that friendship you built first, and never lose sight of it.
When you come from a place of true friendship, nothing will faze you, because you will always know that you have each other's back, as well as the strength to overcome any adversity that life may bring.
18. They cultivate a wide, diverse circle of friends.
Interacting with your circle of mutual friends, and sharing your time with others together, makes you appreciate your partner even more. It can even be a source of great joy and fulfillment in your relationship.
By sharing your friends with one another, you're creating an even deeper bond. And it's something the happiest couples in the world do.
Rani St. Pucchi is a certified transformational life coach, success trainer, image consultant, author, TEDx speaker, and founder of St. Pucchi, the internationally acclaimed Bridal fashion house. She has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Medium, Huffington Post, among many other publications.