Happiness in relationships isn’t about luck, it’s about approach.

Genuinely happy people navigate their relationships differently. They don’t wear rose-colored glasses, nor do they ignore the realities of life. Rather, they approach their relationships with a unique blend of realism and optimism.

And guess what? You can do the same. You can adopt the habits of genuinely happy people and see a positive shift in your relationships.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 9 things that genuinely happy people do differently in their relationships. So buckle up, and let’s start making your relationships happier!

1) They communicate openly

In the realm of relationships, communication is the kingpin.

Genuinely happy people understand this, and they’re not afraid to express their feelings, thoughts, and desires. Instead of bottling up their emotions, they let them flow freely, creating an environment of trust and transparency.

It’s not always about grand proclamations of love or heated debates. Sometimes, it’s the small conversations that matter most – the casual check-ins, the simple acknowledgements, the words of appreciation.

By communicating openly, these individuals foster mutual understanding in their relationships. They nip misunderstandings in the bud and address issues before they escalate.

So the next time you’re in a relationship crossroads, remember to communicate. Talk it out, listen, understand. You might just find that happiness lies in these simple conversations. But remember, genuine communication is a two-way street – it’s as much about listening as it is about talking.

2) They prioritize quality time

Imagine this scenario – my partner and I both lead busy lives, with work, social obligations, hobbies, and the like.

Yet, in the midst of all this hustle and bustle, we ensure we carve out our “us” time. This doesn’t necessarily mean extravagant dates or long vacations (though those are great too!). It’s often as simple as a shared meal at the end of the day or a lazy Sunday morning in bed.

I’ve found that it’s these moments that truly count. They allow us to reconnect, to understand each other better, to simply be together.

Genuinely happy people in relationships understand this. They prioritize quality time with their partners and make it a point to create memorable experiences together. And you know what? It makes a world of difference.

3) They practice gratitude

Gratitude may seem like a small thing, but it has a big impact on relationships. A study from the University of Georgia found that feeling appreciated and believing that your spouse values you directly influences how you feel about your marriage, how committed you are to it, and your belief that it will last.

Genuinely happy people in relationships don’t let a day go by without expressing their gratitude. They make it a habit to thank their partner for the big and small things they do. This simple act of acknowledging each other’s efforts builds a foundation of respect and appreciation, leading to stronger and happier relationships.

4) They embrace their partner’s individuality

Every person is a unique mix of traits, quirks, and passions. Genuinely happy people in relationships understand this and celebrate their partner’s individuality.

Instead of trying to mold their partner into their ideal, they appreciate them for who they truly are. They understand that a relationship isn’t about losing oneself but growing together while maintaining one’s individuality.

This acceptance and respect for each other’s uniqueness not only provides room for personal growth but also adds a wonderful dynamic to the relationship. It’s about cherishing the differences as much as the similarities. In the end, it’s these differences that make a relationship interesting and fulfilling.

5) They forgive and move on

No relationship is free of disagreements or conflicts. But the key lies in how we handle them. Genuinely happy people in relationships know the value of forgiveness. They understand that holding onto grudges or resentment only poisons the relationship.

When disagreements occur, they address them head-on, express their feelings, and work towards a resolution. Once resolved, they let it go, rather than holding onto it and bringing it up in future arguments.

This ability to forgive and move on creates a healthy environment in the relationship, where both partners feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or retaliation. It’s about learning from the past, but not letting it dictate the future of the relationship.

6) They love unconditionally

True love doesn’t come with terms and conditions. It’s a commitment to stand by each other, through the highs and the lows, the laughter and the tears, the triumphs and the challenges.

Genuinely happy people in relationships embody this kind of love. They love their partners for who they are, not for who they could be or should be. They don’t keep score or demand perfection. Their love is not contingent on their partner’s actions or behaviors.

Instead, their love is a steady beacon, a safe haven that stands strong amidst the storms. It’s a sheltering tree that offers shade in the scorching heat, a comforting fire that warms in the freezing cold.

This kind of unconditional love not only strengthens the bond between partners but also creates an environment of acceptance and security where both can thrive. It’s about loving without expecting anything in return. Because at the end of the day, love isn’t about receiving, it’s about giving.

7) They practice patience

Patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s a lifeline in relationships. I remember when I was learning how to cook, I would often mess up the dishes. Instead of getting frustrated, my partner would patiently help me clean up the kitchen, laugh about it, and then we would order takeout.

Genuinely happy people approach their relationships with patience. They don’t expect their partners to change overnight. They understand that everyone has their own pace of growth and they respect that.

They know that relationships aren’t built in a day. It’s a journey filled with learning and growing together. And they’re patient enough to take one step at a time, savoring every moment of the journey.

8) They support each other’s goals

A relationship isn’t just about the present, it’s also about the future. And that future involves individual dreams and goals.

Genuinely happy people in relationships understand this. They take interest in their partner’s ambitions and provide the support needed to achieve them. Be it a career goal, a fitness target, or a personal aspiration, they stand by their partner, cheering them on.

This support isn’t just verbal. It involves time, effort, and sometimes, sacrifices. But they do it willingly because they know that their partner’s happiness contributes to the happiness of the relationship. It’s about growing individually while growing together.

9) They choose each other every day

In the end, genuinely happy people in relationships understand that love is a choice. It’s not just a feeling that magically appears. It’s a conscious decision to choose your partner every day, to love them and be with them, regardless of the circumstances.

They wake up every morning and make the decision to work on their relationship, to communicate, to forgive, to be patient, to support, and to love unconditionally. Because they know that a relationship is not just about finding the right person, it’s about being the right person.

Final thoughts: It’s about choice

At the heart of genuinely happy relationships, is the power of choice. The choice to communicate, to forgive, to be patient, to support, and, above all, the choice to love.

This is echoed by the famous words of psychologist Carl R. Rogers: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

In relationships, this translates to accepting and loving our partners just as they are, and in doing so, we create an environment where growth and happiness can thrive.

Whether it’s about spending quality time together, expressing gratitude, or choosing each other every day, these choices are what set genuinely happy people apart in their relationships.

So as you reflect on these points, remember that the secret to a happy relationship may not be so secret after all. It lies within our choices – the daily decisions we make that nurture love and happiness in our relationships.

Is it easy? Not always. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Because in the end, a happy relationship is not just about finding the right person – it’s about being the right person.