Even if you’re happy in your relationship, there’s always a way to take things to the next level. However, this will take effort. Just like anything else, a relationship requires careful attention and nurturing if you want it to grow. But the process doesn’t have to be scary. Adding small gestures to your routine can positively impact your relationship and help ensure its future. Whether expressing gratitude to someone or supporting their dreams, these are the top nine hacks and strategies to make your relationship more fulfilling and bring you closer together.
1. Smile more
If you don’t like it when a stranger tells you to smile, that’s completely understandable, but things are different with the person you love. According to science, just the act of smiling can put you in a better mood right away. Smiling is contagious, and when you offer one to someone, you’re more likely to receive one in return, creating positive energy. Doing this with your significant other can be an intimate act that helps improve your bond.
2. Praise them frequently
If you want your partner to make you feel loved or embrace romance more, encourage that behavior! Praise small gestures (like receiving flowers or affection) with positive feedback, and it will make them want to do them more frequently. We all like feeling celebrated, and praising a loved one does exactly that.
3. Express gratitude
When you don’t express gratitude, it can make someone feel taken for granted, and you won’t get that extra effort put into the relationship. Being grateful is also a fantastic mindfulness exercise. It reminds us of how happy and satisfied we are in our lives with everything we have. It also reminds us of the major role our partner has in that. Recognizing how fortunate you feel makes you feel more grateful for everything in it. This is a good practice to adopt for every aspect of your life.
4. Don’t be afraid to brag
Although no one wants to be around that person who only talks about their partner, there’s no harm in boasting about your boyfriend or girlfriend to friends and acquaintances. Additionally, when you tell your friends that you feel lucky to be with your partner and showcase all the great things about them, it makes them want to cheer your relationship on and creates a culture of support for significant others. While you can absolutely boast at a girls’ night, don’t be afraid to boast a bit at social gatherings where your beau is present and can hear you praising them. We all like an ego boost now and then.
5. Mind your manners
Manners tie into appreciation, and it’s easy to get a little too comfortable with a partner. As a result, you may start leaving behind those please and thank you in your daily interactions. Whether it’s breakfast in bed, cleaning the house, or bringing you a glass of water, being courteous is a sign of respect, and this should never go away with time.
6. Embrace new hobbies together
Even if you believe your relationship to be strong and stable, there’s always room for improvement. A fantastic way to bond is to come up with new hobbies to connect over or reconnect with old hobbies you once participated in together when the relationship was still new and exciting. Cooking together, taking classes, painting, or traveling are all items to check off your bucket list that can help enhance those positive vibes while having new experiences in life!
7. Believe in your partner
When you don’t have faith in someone, it can negatively affect their confidence. When you believe in your partner and are vocal about it, they’ll believe in you, too. Remember to accept people as they are and not have high, unrealistic expectations. After all, we all have flaws. When you communicate what you appreciate about them, they’re more likely to do the same. Focus on the positive qualities of your person rather than pinpointing flaws, and they’ll follow suit.
8. Invest time in surprises
Familiarity and comfort can sometimes lead to a rut. Surprises can help prevent that. That can mean cooking an unexpected romantic dinner, buying their favorite ice cream, or freshening up the house. Plan a date you haven’t tried before—perhaps something adventurous—and take care of the logistics. You can even blindfold them for an added element of surprise!
9. Provide support
When you’re in love with someone, you become part of their support system, and vice versa.
Relationships aren’t just about loving someone during the good times. Once you get past the honeymoon phase, you realize that everyone has difficult days. Whether their pet is sick, they had a bad day at work, or they are dealing with family drama, they’ll need support from their partner. This could be words of encouragement to shower, take them to a movie or dinner, or cheer them up when times are tough.