8 daily habits of extremely happy couples, according to psychology

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | July 8, 2024, 6:49 am

There are relationships and then there are truly happy ones! The secret lies in the habits.

Happy couples consciously or unconsciously practice certain daily habits that nurture their bond.

Psychology points us to some of these habits that can turn even the most on-the-rocks relationship into a fulfilling one.

Here, I’m going to share with you 8 daily habits of extremely happy couples, proven by psychology.

So let’s dive in and see what these happy couples are doing differently!

1) They communicate effectively

A strong and happy relationship isn’t just about love. It’s also about how you communicate with each other.

According to psychology, effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship.

And this is something happy couples excel at.

They don’t just talk about mundane daily routines.

They discuss their dreams, aspirations, fears, and insecurities.

They express their feelings openly and honestly.

This kind of open dialogue creates a sense of understanding and empathy between partners.

It helps them navigate through the ups and downs of life together, fostering a deeper emotional connection.

So, want to be a part of a happy couple?

Start by improving your communication skills. It might seem like a small change, but it can make a massive difference in your relationship.

2) They prioritize quality time together

In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

But happy couples make it a point to spend quality time together.

Let me share a personal example.

My partner and I have a tradition.

No matter how busy our schedules may be, we set aside every Sunday for us. It’s our “us” day.

We may watch our favorite movies, cook together, or simply talk about our week.

This time together strengthens our bond. It’s a break from all the external noise and a chance to reconnect.

We laugh, we share, we grow – together.

It’s this quality time that keeps our relationship vibrant and strong.

The takeaway?

Prioritize spending quality time with your partner.

It might be challenging to find the time, but it’s an investment that yields happiness in abundance.

3) They express gratitude regularly

Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Happy couples practice it every day.

They don’t take each other for granted.

Instead, they regularly express appreciation for their partner’s actions, however small.

Here’s something interesting.

Research shows that expressing gratitude to your partner can lead to a stronger, more satisfying relationship.

So, the next time your partner does something for you – be it making coffee or helping with household chores – thank them.

It’s a small gesture that can go a long way in creating a happier and healthier relationship.

4) They resolve conflicts in a healthy way

Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable in any relationship.

What sets happy couples apart is the way they handle these conflicts.

Instead of resorting to blaming or yelling, they approach disagreements calmly and respectfully. They:

  • Listen to their partner’s perspective
  • Express their own feelings without attacking the other
  • Work together to find a solution

This healthy approach to conflict resolution not only resolves the issue at hand, but also strengthens their bond.

It shows respect for each other’s feelings and fosters mutual understanding.

Remember, it’s not about who wins the argument.

It’s about resolving the issue while treating each other with kindness and respect.

5) They cherish the little moments

Sometimes, it’s the little things that mean the most.

Happy couples understand this. They cherish the small, everyday moments that they share.

It could be a shared laugh over a silly joke, a warm hug after a long day, or a quiet morning coffee together.

These moments might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they are the building blocks of a deep and lasting connection.

These couples don’t wait for grand gestures or special occasions to express their love. They find joy and love in the ordinary, everyday moments.

So, take time to appreciate these little moments with your partner.

They might be fleeting, but their impact on your relationship is profound and lasting.

6) They support each other’s goals and dreams

In a relationship, having someone who believes in you can make a world of difference.

This is something I’ve personally experienced.

When I decided to shift careers and pursue writing, my partner was my biggest cheerleader.

Despite the uncertainty and the challenges that came with this decision, she stood by me.

She encouraged me, believed in my abilities, and supported my dream.

This kind of support is a hallmark of happy couples.

They believe in each other’s abilities and aspirations. They celebrate each other’s successes and provide comfort during failures.

Supporting your partner’s dreams doesn’t mean sacrificing your own.

It means being their cheerleader while also pursuing your own goals.

It’s about growing individually and as a couple.

7) They respect each other’s individuality

Happy couples understand that they are two individuals first, and a couple second.

They respect each other’s individuality, including their interests, hobbies, and personal space.

They don’t try to change their partner to fit an ideal image.

Instead, they celebrate their differences and learn from them.

Respecting each other’s individuality also means understanding that it’s okay to have separate interests and spend time apart.

This not only gives room for personal growth but also keeps the relationship interesting and dynamic.

So, embrace and respect your partner’s individuality.

It’s these differences that make your relationship unique and special.

8) They practice forgiveness

At the heart of every happy couple’s relationship is the practice of forgiveness.

No one is perfect. We all make mistakes.

But holding onto grudges and letting resentment fester can damage a relationship.

Happy couples understand this.

When their partner makes a mistake, they choose to forgive.

They let go of the hurt and focus on rebuilding trust and love.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or tolerating bad behavior.

It means acknowledging the hurt, choosing to let it go, and focusing on moving forward together.

Practicing forgiveness can be challenging, but it’s crucial for a happy and healthy relationship.

After all, love isn’t just about being there for each other in good times, but also in times of difficulty and mistakes.

Final reflections: It’s about nurturing love

At the end of the day, the essence of a happy relationship lies in the conscious and continuous nurturing of love.

Maintaining a happy relationship is not an act, but a habit.

It’s about choosing to communicate honestly, expressing gratitude, spending quality time together, and supporting each other’s dreams.

But most importantly, it’s about understanding that love is a verb.

It requires action, effort, and sometimes, forgiveness.

So whether you’ve been with your partner for months or decades, remember this: happiness in a relationship isn’t something you find.

It’s something you build, day by day, through these small yet significant habits.”

So let’s take this moment to reflect on your own relationship. Are you nurturing love through these habits?

If not, it’s never too late to start.