If Couples Can Master These 6 Rare Skills, Their Relationship Will Last Forever
Your relationship will never end if you can foster these habits.
pixelfit | Canva We can find happiness in all kinds of places, but there's perhaps nothing as special as being truly elated in the relationship with your significant other. Here we're breaking down the most important secrets to a happy partnership.
You might have heard some of these tips before, but it's time you get concrete examples of how to carry them out. Because no matter if you just got together or you've been married for five years, everyone could use a little guidance.
If couples can master these 6 rare skills, their relationship will last forever:
1. The ability to communicate
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We all know this, but what you might not know is that even the smallest things make a big difference. Couples who make important decisions or argue not through texting but by actually talking are better off. Who would think?
People in successful relationships just talk to each other a whole lot, i.e., five hours more a week than those in less happy relationships. It's okay to get mad at each other (duh), but those who are honest about their feelings from the start of a relationship are better off long-term.
Happy couples try to defuse tension and fights by showing humor or affection or by compromising. Unhappy couples? They criticize, roll their eyes, and name-call. Not good.
2. The ability to laugh together
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Happiness leads to more happiness, after all. Laugh with each other! That's what happy couples do, and it's among the top three reasons for relationship success. Here's an idea: go to comedy shows together, see funny movies or host game nights.
Pairs who have positive interactions every day are more likely to win in life. Examples? Cooking together; giving a compliment; showing you care by leaving a nice note.
Reliving memories together when you both share laughter is good for your companionship. So simple but so effective. So is sharing a new experience together, be it big (taking a trip) or small (taking a walk around the neighborhood). Hooray!
3. The ability to be supportive of your partner
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The lesson: we all want to feel celebrated, but especially from our partners. Get ready to pop some Champagne.
Significant others who are proud of the other's achievements and cheer one another on are happier than those who are less enthusiastic about big news. And those who not only congratulate ("Good job, honey!") but also ask questions and relive the experience with their S.O. are happier, too.
4. The ability to initiate intimacy
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How many times have you said, "Maybe tomorrow night?" Stop that right now! Is this a surprise? Being intimate once a week as opposed to once a month increases relationship happiness. The happiest couples, though, are intimate two to three times a week, research from 2021 found, and they're healthier too. Va va voom!
5. The ability to trust each other
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Honesty is the first step in trusting someone. People can build trust by not keeping secrets and being open with their partners.
Lying, or keeping things from them, can only lead to distrust and feelings of betrayal. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page about things, and that you're not keeping any skeletons in the closet that have the potential to destroy your relationship.
6. The ability to be okay with spending time apart
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Being an independent person who can create happiness will only enhance your relationship. It's good to have your hobbies and friends outside of your partner.
Research from 2019 even tells us maintaining a degree of personal autonomy within a partnership is crucial for a healthy relationship.
Lisette Mejia is a former editor at PopSugar. She has appeared in the Huffington Post, MSN, ReadWrite, and more.