21 Superpower Traits Of Couples Who Naturally Stay In Love
Your relationship is built to last.
Nate Johnson | Unsplash One of the best things to do as a couple is to create your traditions and rituals. Rituals of connection are one of the superpower traits of couples who stay in love and are core to positive, healthy relationships.
The small things you do as a couple create shared meaning and intimacy, which means there is a good chance your relationship is healthy, stable, and happy. Consider how you and your partner can do tiny but meaningful things together to deepen intimacy and improve your emotional connection.
Here are the traits of couples who naturally stay in love:
1. They share meals
It's easy to miss out on having meals together when life gets busy. But sharing meals, even if it's just once a day, allows you to connect, talk about your day, and improve communication in the process. Put away your phones, turn off the TV, and simply enjoy each other's company.
2. They have friends over
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When you share your space with your loved ones, you create opportunities to build a sense of community, all while strengthening your connection as a couple. Set aside a weekend date to have friends and family over, cook and drink, and make good memories.
3. They go for walks with each other
While it's always a great idea to exercise, doing it with a partner makes the challenge even more fun. It shows that you support each other in your goals, whether it's at the gym, running, or doing other physical activities.
4. They take care of each other when the other is sick
"In sickness and in health" rings true every day. During times of illness, make your partner soup, bring them medicine, and offer comfort in any other way you can. When you do this as a couple, even when one of you isn't feeling 100%, it builds intimacy and trust.
5. They put their oxygen mask on first
Of course, you should put your partner and your relationship first, but self-care is just as important. Carve out some time to write, read, journal, or practice mindfulness together. When you do, you encourage individual growth and show your support for one another.
Self-reflection and self-care are crucial for couples. A 2017 study found that they enable individuals better to understand their emotions, behaviors, and needs, leading to improved communication, conflict resolution, and overall relationship satisfaction. By caring for themselves, partners can bring a healthier, more balanced presence to the relationship.
6. They attend concerts, plays, and cultural events
Strengthen your connection to become closer than ever by enjoying a night of entertainment. Attend a concert, musical, or local exhibition to understand one another's tastes.
7. They apologize or repair feelings after an argument
While conflicts and arguments will no doubt arise in any relationship, the way couples approach it speaks to how connected they are. By taking the time to truly apologize and discuss each of your feelings after an argument, you reinforce your commitment to one another.
8. They dance together
Not only is dancing playful and exciting, but it's extremely intimate in the right setting. Connect mentally and physically on the dance floor, whether it's at a bar, in a dancing lesson, or the street outside your home.
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9. They do charity work
Volunteering has benefits of its own, but when you share that experience with your partner, you're strengthening your bond in the process. Make a difference in someone's life by working with local charities, creating a positive impact on others as well as your relationship.
10. They attend religious services or celebrate festivals and holidays
If you or your partner have a religious faith or even one that is more spiritual, tap into that by participating in cultural events, festivals, holidays, or services with one another. You're creating a sense of tradition and opening up opportunities to connect on a deeper level.
Research published by the University of Denver explained that celebrating holidays strengthens relationships by creating shared meaning, fostering positive memories, and reinforcing a sense of connection through shared rituals and traditions. Researchers like John Gottman highlight the significance of couples actively participating in creating these shared experiences.
11. They go to the movies
When was the last time you went on a movie date? See what's playing at the nearest theater, grab the popcorn, and watch a movie together to unwind.
12. They have shared shows they watch together
Not feeling like traveling to the movies? Plop yourselves on the couch, put on a binge-worthy show, and sit back and watch together. It's a great way to unwind, relax, and just enjoy being with one another.
13. They have game nights
Whether it's a game you've played for years or a new one you just bought, take time to connect in a playful, fun way. Playing games together as a couple gives you a chance to compete in a friendly way while growing closer in the process.
14. They take vacations or weekend getaways
It's always good to get away now and then from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Pack your bags and take a trip, even if it's just for the weekend or to a location nearby. You're creating lasting memories by going somewhere new together.
15. They create something together
Even if neither of you is particularly creative or artistic, use this time to create something together. It could be painting, drawing, crafting, or even writing. No matter what you choose, making art is a small thing to do together as a couple that will let you express yourselves.
Creating art together as a couple can significantly enhance relationship satisfaction by fostering deeper communication, promoting nonverbal expression, and facilitating a shared sense of connection through a creative process. This often leads to increased intimacy and bonding, and studies within the field of art therapy support this.
A study published in the International Journal of Art Therapy explained that art therapists frequently utilize collaborative art-making techniques with couples to address relationship issues, including conflict resolution and intimacy concerns.
16. They cuddle
Physical intimacy is extremely important in any romantic relationship, but that doesn't necessarily involve making love. Spend a few hours in bed together, cuddling, touching, and just being close to one another.
17. They celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special moments
By celebrating milestones and special moments, you're reinforcing just how important you are to each other. Give thoughtful gifts, express gratitude for the life you share, and maybe even plan a surprise for your partner.
18. They spend time away from one another
Spending quality time together is essential in healthy relationships, but it's also important to spend time apart, pursuing your own interests and growing as individuals. After all, if you don't have independence and freedom, you can't expect to have balance.
19. They reunite after time apart
After spending some time apart, whether it's because of work or personal issues, make your reunion as amazing and loving as possible. Take some time to discuss your individual experiences, and enjoy being together once again.
20. They go to bed together
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Set a bedtime routine so you're brushing your teeth, washing your face, and climbing into bed with one another. End the day on a good note, and take a quiet moment to share your thoughts from the day before falling asleep.
Couples going to bed together can significantly benefit relationship health by fostering feelings of closeness, security, and intimacy. This often leads to improved sleep quality and reduced stress levels, promoting better communication and emotional connection.
However, recent research published by Sleep Medicine Reviews found that the specifics of sleep patterns and individual needs should be considered within each couple's dynamic.
21. They wake one another up sweetly
When morning comes, begin the day with a sweet kiss, words of encouragement, or a nice snuggle. By doing this, you're showing that the affection and emotional connection is still there, no matter how long you've been together.
Lianne Avila is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a practice in San Mateo, CA. Her work has been featured in Psych Central, BRIDES, and Prevention.