Okay, so I stole the following article from MSN’s
Women site, but I wanted to keep the information handy in case I need it in
the future!
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Secrets
of Super-Happy Couples
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Twelve
ways to keep your relationship thriving.
Smart Strategies
Why do some couples seem so head-over-heels?
It's not that their lives are any easier or more perfect than yours-- but they
do know how to keep the daily grind from eroding their relationship. Get some
of what they have by incorporating these happy-couple strategies into your love
life.
1. Fall in love all over again. Make a conscious
decision to be in love. The more you act as if you are in love, the more you
will feel like you are.
2. Remember the good times. Treat your partner
like you did at the beginning of your relationship. Make a list of all the
things you used to enjoy doing together and add any new fantasies to the list.
Plan for them and make them happen.
3. Help your partner feel more loved and secure in your
love so that he or she can open up to you and express feelings and ideas
without fear of being attacked or judged. Compliment, praise, give a hug. Small
gestures make the grandest statements.
4. Don't make unilateral decisions. You're a team in many
ways, so act like one. Check in and make decisions together about things large and
small. Be willing to compromise.
5. Be present. Train your mind to
stay in the moment -- not at work, thinking about the new color you want to
paint your kitchen, or how it's time to take the dog to the vet.
6. Pay attention to your physical appearance. Take the time to stay
in shape and look good for each other. It does matter.
7. Boost your compatibility. Couples in crisis
focus on all the ways they are different, whereas those who are in love zero in
on their similarities and think their differences are cute. Build compatibility by taking turns planning
activities to do together. If you don't like your partner's choice, don't
complain; it's your turn next.
8. Do not place blame. Replace blame and
criticism with solutions and tenderness. Problem-solve together -- sit close,
hold hands, touch each other's face or hair. Be playful. When was the last time
you laughed together? Rent a comedy movie to tickle your funny bone.
9. Plan for sex. Spontaneity is great
but smart couples know that good sex doesn't just happen. Like everything else,
it takes time and planning.
10. Fact-find -- don't mind-read. You may think you know
but you can't assume. You may believe he should know, but that's not fair,
either. Always clear up misinterpretations and misunderstandings to make sure
they don't throw you both off course.
11. Fight fair -- and by appointment only. Schedule a limited
time to discuss a problem and confine your comments to that issue only. It's
easier to relax and feel free to enjoy each other when you know you won't be
ambushed by a litany of complaints and criticisms.
12. Prepare for checkouts. Even in the closest
marriage, everyone needs time alone. Don't take it personally and don't make
each other feel guilty if you need to spiritually and emotionally regroup. Just
be sure to tell each other when you are checking out (max, one day) -- and when
you're checking back in.