10 ways to improve your relationship
Relationships are complicated, but they can be made easier with the right steps. Relationship guru David Rubin has listed 10 ways to improve your relationship. These strategies will help you to have a successful marriage with your partner and should address issues that arise in any relationship.
1. Brainstorm together as Partners
Brainstorming together will give you a sense of the other person’s ideas and open up new avenues for discussion. Generating a list of words or phrases that come to mind when you think about your partner is a great way to get things going.
Have you ever heard the phrase “opposites attract”? Well, it turns out that there might be some truth to this adage. As it turns out, being around people with different perspectives is a good thing. If you’re not in a relationship and looking for love, why not start by meeting someone who is different from you?
Related Reading: Best Ways to Improve your marriage without talking about it.
2. Listen to what they say
In healthy relationships, listening is the key. In order to have a successful relationship, both parties need to be willing to listen to each other and give feedback. The most important part of this is not what you say but how you say it.
Make sure that your partner knows that they are heard and respected by being non-judgmental and taking in what they’ve said with an open mind. One of the most important things to do is listen. You should listen when they talk about their day, what they did, and how their feeling.
It’s so easy to forget that listening is an answer in itself. If you’re not sure how to respond, just say “tell me more” or “tell me about that.” Your partner will feel reassured by your interest in them.
3. Be more patient with Each Other
One of the best ways to improve your relationship is to be more patient with them. If you want a relationship that lasts, patience is key. You may not always like what they do, but it’s important to let things go and not let your anger take over.
You can’t force someone to change, so you need to work on yourself instead. When you think about your partner, what are they doing right now? Do they need a hug? Perhaps a smile? Perhaps they want a conversation.
Whatever it is, it’s worth spending the time on them. When you’re impatient with your partner, stop and ask yourself what they might need from you.
4. Apologize when you’re wrong
One of the best ways to improve your relationship is to apologize when you are wrong. Acknowledging that you made a mistake is an important first step in resolving any problems.
5. Touch base daily
Touch base with your loved one every day. It doesn’t matter if it is a text, a phone call, or a handwritten note. Make sure to tell them how much you appreciate them and how much you love them.
If you show your partner that they are valued and cared for, they will return the favor and do the same for you. I’ve seen this in my own relationships. When we have difficult conversations, arguments, or just exist in an uncomfortable space together, it’s much more likely that one of us will try to touch the other.
It’s not always sexual. It could be a brush on the arm or a hug goodbye. But it does make people feel more connected and less afraid. And when you feel closer to someone, your relationship improves.
6. Agree on priorities
Oftentimes, couples can’t seem to agree on what should be prioritized. Should they spend more time together or should they each pursue their own hobbies? Should they devote all of their attention to the kids or care for themselves?
Set clear priorities with your partner and stick to them. One of the most common reasons for couples to argue is that they have different opinions on what is important to them. Some may say that making more money is their priority, while others may say retirement.
It’s important to determine your priorities and agree with your partner on what they are. Once you do that, it will be much easier to see eye-to-eye on other topics.
7. Say sorry when you’re in the wrong
It might sound strange but it’s a powerful tool to repair a relationship. In the heat of an argument, we often think we’re right and our partner is wrong. But this can lead to resentment and anger. Saying sorry doesn’t mean we agree with them, but it does demonstrate empathy and understanding.
We treat people better when we remember that they’re human too and not just an adversary in a heated battle. It’s not always easy to admit when you are in the wrong, but it’s important to accept responsibility for your actions.
It is also good to show that you are sorry by doing something small like making dinner or sending a text message. You can also say sorry verbally or in writing. Saying sorry is an important step in rebuilding trust because the other person will know that you mean it.
8. Share your feelings openly
Studies show that couples who openly share their feelings and emotions on a regular basis are more satisfied with their relationship than those who don’t.
But it’s not just about voicing your thoughts and feelings, it’s also about listening to them and responding to them. If you want your relationship to last, it’s important to be able to communicate on an emotional level as well as a physical one.
9. Give each other space
If you want your relationship to work, make sure that you spend time apart and give each other space. While it may sound counterintuitive, many studies have shown that people who live together often experience more stress and less sexual satisfaction than those who live on their own.
If you’re feeling suffocated by your partner, take some time for yourself and do the things that make you happy.
10. Be Supportive
It’s important to make your partner feel supported in everything they do. Showing encouragement and interest in their interests will help you create a bond with them.
If you find yourself not being able to be supportive, try brainstorming together different options of things that you could do to show appreciation. This can be something like waiting for them after work or making them a meal without having to ask what they want.
