Whether you have been with someone for awhile or just for a short period, there are several ways to keep the relationship improving and moving in the right direction. Maintaining relationships takes effort. But, it doesn’t have to be difficult.
With the daily grind of responsibilities and frayed nerves, it’s understandable why at times, our relationships fall to the bottom of our list of priorities. It can sometimes be taken for granted as we focus on many other things in life. Just keeping up with kids, family, work, friends, fitness and so many other things can be overwhelming while maintaining a life balance. Especially during difficult times and when you are so exhausted already, it seems almost easier to avoid facing your declining relationship or eroding intimacy issues.
With that said, there are definitely methods that work to improve relationships. While a quick fix of becoming better listeners, spending more quality together and sharing in chores can be a good start, here are some other unexpected and surprising ways that can enhance your relationship:
- Spend time apart – take a break from each other. Everyone needs their own space and quality time away from each other. Start a new hobby, read a book, go for a walk, go for a massage. Do something on your own. Individuals need time on their own for personal growth and to maintain independence within the relationship. When individuals flourish, the relationship itself benefits greatly. In fact, it’s a key to successful marriages. When intimacy and connection collapses, it is not from a lack of closeness. It can sometime be from too much closeness and not having your own space. Research has also proven that being apart makes you think of the other one more often and increases their importance in each other. You will both will feel more patient and refreshed by some down time from each other. It also allows for curiosity and more interesting conversations and growth. In effect, taking time apart will enliven the relationship dynamic.
- Go to Sleep at the same time – most of us do not get enough rest. But, going to bed at different times further negatively impacts you and your partner. Try to synchronize your bed times. According to sleep studies, 75% of couples do not go to bed together which can have several negative effects leading to more conflict, less conversation and much decline in intimacy.
- Be vulnerable – learn to open up to your partner. Sharing with them something you are needing help with or wanting to positively change is a building block to kindness, patience and understanding. It is a loving process that builds trust, respect and affection.
- Create experiences – doing the same thing on a regular basis can create boredom. Change your routines with more moments of fun and added spontaneity. Continue to bring excitement to your relationship. Try new activities or do challenging tasks together.
- Surprise each other – small gestures keep the spark alive and remind your partner you are thinking of them. Happy couples are respectful and kind to each other. Giving or volunteering to help out is always a positive contribution. Acts of kindness are powerful and greatly fuel overall well-being for you both. Learn how to show your partner love in a way that your partner values.
- Focus on positives – healthy relationships offer a rich climate of positivity. For every negative interaction add 5 more positive ones.
- Reminisce – recalling special moments together can lead you back to fond memories and good feelings. Remember why you came together in the first place.
These techniques can help you improve your relationship and help you maintain a healthy life balance for you both. For, it is not personality or compatibility that keeps couples together. It is really how they interact, how they speak to each other and how well they get along. Respect and kindness go a long way and pave the road for a wonderful life journey together. Learn to make yourself happy as an individual and then allow that happiness to flow and flourish when together. Keep working together and cherish your great experiences and life triumphs. Be there for each other during the challenging times and give each other encouragement. Keep moving forward positively together and keep stimulating feelings of happiness for each other.
Be each other’s cheering section! Go Team Go! Keep the love a-flowin!
