Being part of a couple can be difficult, but
the best relationship tips are really all about maintenance—keeping
things fresh, finding time for each other, and coming up with ways to
navigate the tricky ups and downs every partnership faces. Of course,
it’s all easier said than done, so we’ve come up with 101 ways to make
your relationship even better.
From how to deal with jealousy to how to get over a potentially
deadly lull, we’ve got 101 relationship tips you can start
implementing right now.
It might sound obvious, but when you really allow yourself to
listen—and ask questions about—what your partner says, it not only leads
to better conversations, but also better communication.
Missing each other is a great way to reconnect. Have a weekend getaway with your friends every few months.
3. Find a Support Team
Have a handful of great friends or family members you can call so
your significant other doesn’t have to hear every small grievance going
on your life.
4. Put Away Your Phones
One of the biggest relationship tips is to give your undivided
attention when your partner is speaking. It’s is one of the most
important things you can do.
5. Volunteer Together
Giving back is a great way to keep perspective of how great your relationship is—and how lucky you both are.
6. Create a Checklist
Jot down new and fun things you want to accomplish for a day as a duo.
7. Talk to Couples Over 65 Years Old
Get relationship tips from them, and see what you can take away to apply to your relationship.
8. Stop and Appreciate All That Your Relationship Is This Very Second
Stop living for what it
can be. This person is choosing to be in your life every day, not every day in the future.
9. Revisit the Questions You Asked in the Beginning
What are you hoping to accomplish in the next year? What are you
scared of? These answers change, so we need to keep asking these
questions.
10. Find 10 Things You Really Love About Them and Tell Them
Everyone needs a confidence booster now and again.
11. Stop Nagging
Seriously, stop. Take a step back and figure out the big things about
your partner that truly bother you, and approach him/her from a place
of concern and support, instead of nitpicking for sport. That’ll get you
nowhere.
12. Get Over Needing to Be Right
Learning to say “I was wrong” is a skill worth learning.
13. Take Care of Yourself
No relationship can be successful if you don’t feel good about yourself, both inside and out.
14. Know What You Need and Then Ask for It
You’re dating a human, not a magical psychic.
15. Take a Class
Couples who learn together connect on a deeper level. Find some common ground (cooking? art? science?), and go from there.
16. Stop Complicating Things That Aren’t Complicated Enough
Don’t pull a Carrie Bradshaw during the Aiden years: If you bemoan the fact that your relationship is going
too well, you might need to revisit why you’re constantly seeking out drama.
17. Assume That If Something Was Said That Hurt Your Feelings, It Wasn’t Intended That Way
Why would they want to upset you or hurt you? Give your partner the
benefit of the doubt, but if it’s really bothering you, don’t be afraid
to bring it up.
18. Write Notes
Whether you have study hall together or live together, handwritten notes are personal touches in today’s highly digital world.
19. Pitch In
Help each other with chores and other necessary, if banal,
activities—cooking, cleaning, re-organizing, etc. Not doing them if you
live together can create tension, and
always doing them can create unfair expectations. Act as a team of equals.
20. Disconnect
Step away from the laptop during quality time. Everything on the Internet will still be there later.
21. Allow Things to Be What They Are
Sometimes bad days and bad moods happen. Don’t go crazy trying to
make everything better. Just be supportive and loving, because just
being there at the end of a bad day can make it better for both of you.
22. Create Mini-Traditions
Creating small rituals can really help hold up a couple because they
become “your thing.” Whether it’s a fancy night out during the holiday
season, or watching a certain show every week, these are things that’ll
give you both something to look forward to—and it’ll bring you closer
together.
23. Be an Open Book
They can either deal with it or they can’t, but if you can’t be your
most honest self with this person, it’ll come out eventually.
24. Compliment, and Often
You’re there to make each other feel like your best selves, so let
the genuine praise flow freely. Like their outfit? Say it! Like their
hair today? Let them know!
25. Make Promises That You Really Can Keep
Say things that you want to follow through with out loud. It’ll make
you work harder to make them happen. Having—and setting—levels of
reasonable expectations for your relationship is a healthy way to keep
it strong.
26. Acknowledge Positive Actions
When you and your partner see positive actions, solutions, or
behavior in one another, acknowledge it and remind each other to keep it
up.
27. Establish Genuine Connections with the Other’s Friends and Family
Hang out together with
both of your friends and family. This is the stuff that makes the world go ’round, people!
28. Pay Attention to the Tiny Things That Bother Your Partner
We’re not talking changing your laugh or your style, but if you know
that your partner really hates it when you leave the kitchen counter
cluttered, try to make a point of clearing it off before he/she gets
home. It’s an easy enough thing to do and it makes their day better, so
why not?
29. Never, Never Forget to Ask About the Other Person’s Day
It’s such an easy slight to avoid!
30. Be Considerate
If your partner’s day sucked and yours was just “eh,” let them have
the pity (and the control of the remote, and the choice of take-out). If
it’s you, announce it early and let them know you need the support. If
it’s a toss-up, trade stories about why your days were so awful, and
you’ll end up laughing while trying to figure out who wins.
31. Small Gifts Go a Long Way
Bringing home a pack of their favorite candy/magazine/book by a favorite author never gets old.
32. Graham Parsons Has a Song Lyric That Says “I Just Want to Hold You/I Don’t Want to Hold You Down”
Let that be your motto when you’re giving your partner advice.
33. Log onto Instagram and like All Their Photos
Just because.
34. Plan a Date Where You Revisit the Spot You Went on Your First Date
Remember all the amazing things that brought you from then to now.
35. Go on a Walk Together Somewhere Beautiful
And don’t forget to turn off your cell phones.
36. Surprise Them with Dinner
One unexpected night, surprise your partner with a home-cooked meal and a nicely-set table.
37. Review Your Top Five Favorite Funny Things Your Partner Has Done
Because your partner is funny! That’s part of why you like them.
38. Go to a Yoga Class Together
Or other
exercise class together. Your body and relationship will thank you!
39. Go on a Road Trip, Even If You’re Not Going Anywhere Far
It’s nice to get out of town sometimes.
40. Pick up a Six-Pack of Toilet Paper or (Even Better) a Six-Pack of Beer
Without even being asked.
41. Keep the Surprises Coming
Think of your relationship as a creative challenge. To keep the
romance fresh, come up with new date ideas, new sex positions, and new
ways to demonstrate your love.
42. Plan Small Outings
Whether its brunch this weekend or a trip to a new neighborhood.
43. Make Out
Kissing is something that is often set to the side the longer a
couple has been together. Out of blue one day, initiate a high-school
style make-out session.
44. Let It Go
Don’t hold onto that thing your S.O. said or did six months ago and
bring it up each time you get mad at him. Do both of you a favor, and
let it go.
45. Don’t Interrupt
Even if what you think your significant other is saying is
uninteresting, don’t bulldoze over his or her words. Being able to
listen to each other—even when the details are mundane—is important.
46. Say “Thanks”
Let him or her know that you notice the little things he or she does
by saying “thank you” for routine tasks like walking the dog or picking
up groceries.
47. Cook a Meal Together
Come up with a menu, shop, and prepare the food
together.
48. Have Fun with Hypotheticals
Conversation can become routine. Break from the ordinary and have a
silly dinner conversation made entirely of imaginary situations—for
example, ask, “If you were on an island and could only bring five
movies, which movies would you bring?”
49. Keep a Couple’s Journal
Write down your desires and fantasies, and leave them out for your
significant other to find—then encourage him/her to write back.
50. Agree to Disagree
This is one of
the most important relationship tips, as you
both have strong opinions and therefore some issues will never be
resolved. Respect each other’s point of view and agree not to argue
about the same issue, unless it’s something that could get in the way of
your future, like politics, religion, or values.
51. Set Goals
In addition to setting life goals, set relationship goals. For
example: We aim to spend more time together outside rather than in front
of the TV.
52. Take Responsibility for Your Own Happiness
Love is grand, but at the end of the day, the only person we can hold
accountable for our happiness is ourselves. Do volunteer work,
exercise, host dinner parties—find what satisfies you, and go from there.
53. Learn Each Other’s Conflict Habits
Make an effort to understand you and your partner’s conflict habits,
so you can break bad patterns and find a middle ground that’s productive
and respectful.
54. Define Love
While “I love you” is an extraordinary thing to say—and an equally
wonderful thing to hear—it means something different to each person.
Tell each other what you’re saying when you declare these magic words.
It could be a list of many sentiments such as, “I would do anything for
you,” and “I trust you completely.”
55. Take Turns Planning Date Nights That Are Actual, Real, Capital-D Dates
Takeout and TV doesn’t count.
56. Approach Your Partner’s Issues in the Context of How They Affect the Relationship
It’ll reduce the chances they feel personally attacked for no reason.
57. Cuddle
Make ample time for cuddling. Whether or not it leads to sex, physical affection is important.
58. Don’t Forget to Say “I Like You”
The greatest compliment you can give a partner (especially a
long-term partner) is reminding them that not only do you love them, but
you also
like them.
59. Have a Spontaneous Midday Tryst
Send a text as they’re about to go on their lunch break, take time out on a Saturday, however you want to play it.
60. Travel Together
Seeing the world together creates amazing shared memories.
61. Tell Them Exactly Why You Love and Appreciate Them as Often as Possible
“I love you” is good. “I love the way you make sure no one ever feels left out” is even better.
62. Stay out of Their Family Drama
It’s
so not worth it.
63. Really Look at Each Other
We spend a lot of time with our partners, but sometimes we don’t
actually see them. Take the time to actually look into one another’s
eyes.
64. Give Each Other a Pet Name
It may be super annoying to other people (and you may want to reserve
it for when you’re in private), but a pet name can add an extra layer
of intimacy to your relationship.
65. Spend Time Alone
As important as it is to spend quality time with your partner, it’s
equally necessary that you develop a good sense of who you are without
them. Kahlil Gibran said, “Let there be spaces in your togetherness,”
and we stand by that.
66. Eat at the Dinner Table
Do you eat in front of the TV? Try actually sitting down to a meal with your partner at an
actual table. You may find it a welcome change.
67. In Fact, Turn the TV Off Altogether
Why not try instituting a TV-free night in your apartment? See what
else happens when you spend time together sans the talking box.
68. Ask for Clarity
If you’re confused about what your partner means, ask for clarity
instead of making assumptions about what they mean. Use an open phrase
like, “What did you mean when you said, ‘xyz,'” rather than instantly
going on the offensive.
69. Own Your Feelings
Passive-aggressiveness is a total relationship killer. Squash it by
practicing assertiveness and clarity. Saying “I’m fine” when you’re not
fine is a prime example of not owning your feelings.
70. Communicate in a Constructive Way
For instance, we think the phrase construction, “When ____ happens, it makes me feel ____” can be particularly helpful.
71. Take an Interest in What Your Partner’s Into
Into chess, or cheese, or cheese that looks like a chess board
(maybe?). You don’t have to love it, but give it a shot. You may
surprise yourself.
72. But Also Cultivate Your Own
You and your partner don’t need to have everything in common. Seriously. That’s actually really annoying.
73. Let Your Partner Teach You Something They’re Good At, and Vice Versa
Everyone—
everyone—loves the feeling of being able to teach somebody they like about something they’re good at.
74. Bring Your Groups Together
It’s easy to silo your social lives and create separate worlds, but
bringing your friends, siblings, or colleagues together can be a fun
thing.
75. Don’t Forget About Sex
Work, stress, and other responsibilities can get in the way of your
sex life, and before you know it, you’ve gone a month without getting
busy. Don’t let this happen. Schedule it in if you have to, just make
sure to connect in an intimate way.
76. But Do Forget About Jealousy
Jealousy can be completely toxic to relationships, so keep yours in
check. If you’re always jealous, figure out if it’s your personal issue,
or if your partner is doing things to appear less trustworthy.
77. Cultivate Your Appreciation
Spread what you love about your partner. Practice your appreciation
by sharing it with others— not in a gross, gratuitous, braggy way, but
don’t miss out on the opportunity to tell others why your partner is
awesome. In turn, it’ll remind
you why you like them, too.
78. Laugh—In Bed
Sex should be sexy, sure. But it should also be fun. Don’t be afraid to have a laugh if things take a turn for the ridiculous.
79. Let Yourself Be Taken Care of When You Need It
We all need special care on occasion. Let your partner help you when
you’re feeling sick or down. It doesn’t mean you’re not strong, it just
means you’re willing to accept help.
80. Check Your Competitive Edge
You and your partner are there to support each other, not compete
with one another. If you find yourself comparing yourself or competing
with your significant other, check your behavior. That’s not healthy!
81. Have a Bed Day
Allow yourselves a totally lazy day where you lie around and do nothing of note except enjoy each other’s company.
81. Be Kind to Yourself
The best way to develop positive patterns in a relationship is to
develop them first with yourself. Don’t be so critical of yourself, and
you’ll set a good example for your relationship.
82. Express Gratitude for the Little Things, and for Specific Things
Big gestures are great, but it’s great to recognize the little things your partner does that make you feel happy and loved, too.
83. Date like You Dated in High School
Ask each other out. Get excited. Take forever to get ready. Make out. Repeat.
84. Be Present
We can ruin a perfectly great relationship by focusing too much on
the past, or worrying too much about what may happen in the future.
Learn to enjoy where you are, and who you’re with
right now.
85. Don’t Try to Control
A relationship isn’t a battle of wills, it’s two people who are
choosing to be together, so don’t treat your partner like they’re some
kind of wild animal you’re trying to tame.
86. Embrace Your Common Goals
What is it that you both want to accomplish? Can you support each
other to reach those goals? That’ll be a big piece of what will hold you
two to together as a couple in the long run.
87. Have a Cultural Experience Together
See a movie, a play, or an art exhibition together—and then talk
about them afterward. You may be pleasantly surprised by how
differently—or similarly—you viewed things.
88. Go on a Long Bike Ride
Bike rides are deeply freeing experiences, and it’s nice to be able to do that with someone you love.
89. Try Talking on the Phone
Yes, we know this sounds crazy, but phone calls are a different sort
of communication than texting, or even in-person communicating will
allow. You may actually deepen your connection through a phone chat.
90. Make a Mix for Each Other
It’s cute, romantic, and something out of a rom-com. Although in this
day and age, you might want to make a Spotify playlist rather than a
mixed CD.
We spend so much time paying attention to how our partners behave,
but take a second to notice how you’re acting—especially if you’re fired
up or in a bad mood. And then give yourself a second to…
Before you say something you don’t mean, take a breath, and ask yourself if that’s
the way you want to move forward. Chances are, taking a second out will
help you recalibrate and think of a more constructive way of handling
the situation.
This one is so easy, but if your partner is having a hard time with
something—whether it’s doing their taxes or organizing their
closet—offer a helping hand.
If your partner accomplished something amazing, let them know it—and let them shine.
And aim to make sure yours is doing just that. If it’s not, it may be time to reconsider.
Not everything has to be a big adventure or a big deal. Sometimes the best times are the quiet unplanned things you do together.
Don’t let yourself get so invested in your partner that you forget to take care of yourself.
We often let our past hurts dictate our present. Learn to let go of
past resentments and fears in order to live more fully with your partner
right now.
Simple touch builds intimacy — especially non-sexual touch. It’s a
non-verbal way of saying, “Yes, I’m here for you, and I care about you,”
and it helps reinforce your emotional bond.
Find ways to communicate that and foster that feeling in each other, and you’ll be good.
No comments:
Post a Comment
We value your response, Give your comments here