There are many ways to improve your relationship, but I just will list five of them:
1. Explore new experiences together.
Usually, the advice given to couples is to set aside time to be together. However, there’s an addition to this tip.
Make sure that you are actually spending time together, like talking to each other and doing the same things, and not just going to the same restaurant for a quick meal or driving to work together.
Dopamine, a brain chemical that is responsible for keeping the feeling of being in love in the brain, is triggered by experiences, so be sure that you two find ways to do new things together and find new experiences that only you two can share.
2. Keep an open mind and accept your mistakes.
When caught in an argument with your significant other, keep an open mind and be open to the possibility that you might have made a mistake.
If you always think that you are never going to be wrong, then there will always be conflict between the two of you. According to research, a couple who is defensive for themselves and always argues with each other have a higher rate of unhappiness and a higher chance of divorce.
Because we immediately become defensive for ourselves when we get into an argument, we often miss out on what your partner wants to say. Learn how to keep an open mind during your arguments and always listen to your partner is trying to say, because he/she might have a valid point to get across.
If your partner is trying to correct you, listen to their constructive criticism and try to think of how not to make the same mistakes again.
3. Socialize with other friends and other couples.
If your mutual friends ask you to come out with them to a party, dinner, or a plain hang out, accept it! Don’t think that your free nights are only dedicated to spending one on one time with your significant other.
Be sure to socialize and interact with other people, as well as other couples, as a pair. Why, you may ask? Because there’s something different about being with your loved one in a crowd.
Regularly seeing your partner in the midst of other people will allow yourself to be reminded of what initially attracted you to them. Giving yourself the chance to see them interact with other people is a good way to renew your attraction to your partner.
4. Don’t forget to take time for intimacy.
A lot of the relationships are stagnant because they lack intimacy. Because the initial rush you felt in the beginning of your relationship can quickly fade, it is very important to make time for intimacy.
It gives you the opportunity to feel a unique bond with your partner, and allows you to realize what a special connection you have with them, that others cannot have. Being intimate with each other releases oxytocin, a hormone that’s responsible for the feeling of attachment.
5. Outwardly and directly express how you feel for them.
Your life can be dragging and stagnant, but it is very important that your relationship isn’t. Even if you’re going through a hard time at work or at school, the inner part of your relationship should still be filled with vigor and romance.
Sending thoughtful text messages and always verbally let your partner know how much they mean to you. Also keep in mind to show loving gestures, like holding hands in public or putting your arms around her while you’re walking.
Romantic interactions like these help keep the relationship going. It makes your partner excited and will let them know that you’re proud to be their loved one.
About the Author:
Elizabeth Davis has 20 years of experience as a relationship adviser. She writes and shares more relationship tips and marriage advice on her blog www.Relationshipsadvice.co.