Agreeing to stick it out with your partner through sickness and health and for richer or poorer is one thing, but what marriage vows don’t cover is what happens when your knot starts to untie because of other issues, like boredom or feeling more like friends than in-love. Unfortunately, that blissful honeymoon phase doesn’t last forever, but that doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer.
There are all kinds of things we can do to help keep our relationships strong over time. Being together for the rest of our lives takes commitment, but the key is keeping that bond strong and being happy together. So how do we do that? Here’s what the experts who study the habits of happy couples advise.
- Shake up date night- Research from social psychologistDr. Arthur Aronfinds that doing rewarding new things as a couple floods your brain with dopamine, a mood-boosting chemical.
- Ask “How was your day?”- If it’s not part of your nightly ritual, you may want to add it because psychologistAngela Hickssays that couples who discuss recent positive events with each other feel happier the next day and a stronger connection to their partners.
- Laugh over inside jokes- Your teens may groan when you bring up the “good old days,” but a study from Appalachian State University shows that couples who recall shared laughs are most satisfied with their relationships.
- Don’t freak out over a fight -Feeling a little more irritated by your S.O. than usual? According to a study from the University of Michigan, that’s usually a sign that you’re not drifting apart and are “healthfully engaged.”
- Sweat with your spouse- Working out as a couple may help you stick to your exercise program and research has shown that women enjoy sex more when they’re physically active. So getting your sweat sesh on together can relieve stress, give you more energy and confidence, and even boost your libido, too.
Source:Women's Health