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 12 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.