You’ve probably seen them in the wild – snuggled up at the coffee house, playing footsie while sharing a pumpkin spice latte and reduced-fat, blueberry scone. They smile at each other. They touch tenderly and laugh at the right time. They have inside jokes and shared stores. They seem so happy. And you are so jealous.
Lots of couples are “happy,” but a select few are exceptionally content – entirely, deeply and effortlessly committed to each other. Even looking from the outside, you can easily see that they are in an enviable position.
They are sharing a connection the likes of which you only dream of. This begs the question, what’s their secret? How did they get – and stay – in such a paradise of love and affection? While it may seem tantamount to impossible to occupy the same euphoric state, there are some habits you can mirror to help yourself gain access to this veritable garden of amorous Eden.
1. They Compliment Each Other
There is obviously something you like about your partner or you wouldn’t have got together in the first place. Happy couples don’t assume that their partners know what they find so irresistible about each other – they tell each other, often. Compliments are free. Share them profusely.
2. They Thank Each Other
Just like compliments, verbal thanks are exceptionally important. In the best relationships, partners feel appreciated and cared about. Telling your partner, “thank you” when they bring you a glass of water or go out of their way to prepare a meal for you makes it clear to them that you do appreciate them.
3. They Hold Each Other
The physical power of touch cannot be overstated. Instead of rolling out of bed and begrudgingly starting their days, the happiest of happy couples make time for morning snuggles. Set your alarm clock 15 minutes early and spend that quarter-hour snuggling and squeezing your special someone to show them how deeply you care for them.
4. They Kiss Each Other
Seems like a no-brainer, but for many people, as the relationship gets more seasoned, the frequency of kisses decreases. Make it a point to kiss your partner goodbye each morning and goodnight each evening. By adding these smooches into your routine, you reduce the likelihood that you let a long period of time pass sans kiss.
5. They Talk To Each Other
Even though you might want nothing more than to snuggle up and watch some Netflix solo at the end of the day, doing so may be detrimental to your relationship. Make it a point to talk to your partner about your day. Doing so allows them to play a more active role in your life and strengthens your relationship.
6. They Connect Throughout The Day
Even though you most likely don’t see your lover during the day, you don’t have to completely push them to the side, either. Make it a point to reach out to your partner, texting and calling throughout the day.
While some of these communications will logically have to be functional – reminding them to pick up the toilet paper or making sure they remember that your parents are coming over for dinner – don’t let all of them be purely utilitarian. Text them a joke, an anecdote or just a few words to let them know you are thinking of them. These simple outreach efforts will pay off big-time in the long run.
7. They Treat Each Other
In the early days of a relationship, most people lavish their new lovers with little extras. From breakfast in bed to surprise flowers at the office, these treats are ways to secure the other’s affection. Stopping this habit as soon as you have your partner on the hook is a bad idea, however.
To keep your relationship spicy and strong, make it a point to surprise your partner with a little extra something each month. If you’re exceptionally busy, jot your surprise down on the calendar to ensure that you don’t forget.
8. They Take Walks Together
Simple and free, walking is as good for your waistline as it is for your relationship. Take an evening stroll hand-in-hand with your lover each night. As you do, talk about your day and make plans for the future.
This quiet togetherness time does much to both strengthen and maintain your relationship. When it comes to hand-in-hand walks, it’s not the duration that matters, but the effort. Even if you only have time for a short trip around the block, it will still prove a worthwhile endeavor.
