Not everyone wants to be in a relationship, but out of those who do, these people want a fantastic relationship.
I don’t blame ‘em!
It takes time, effort, and intention to build a strong relationship, though. Long-lasting, healthy relationships are marked by habits that generate a fulfilling environment for both people.
Couples that utilize these habits are loving, smart, and healthy couples — or LSH for short.
Here are six habits LSH couples use to maintain and deepen their relationships:
Spend Uninterrupted Time With Each Other
LSH couples make it a priority to spend time with each other. Specifically, they spend time with each other without distractions.
That means they aren’t checking their phones constantly, turning on the TV (or computer), or otherwise thinking about anything else. Their attention is fully on each other.
This includes body language that indicates interest and engagement. Plenty of eye contact, friendly vocal tones, and turning towards one another are all key.
Does that mean couples can’t step away if something urgent pops up? Of course not. If you’re expecting an essential call or simply need to go to the bathroom, that’s not an issue. Simply stay focused on what your day is about in the first place — time with your partner.
It’s not unreasonable to address real life needs in the midst of romantic time. But it’s also crucial to designate attention, space, and depth for your significant other.
Without it, they may start to feel like a low priority in your life. That can produce a pattern of resentment or disengagement, which is hard to get out of.
Over time, LSH couples discover that they love spending uninterrupted time with each other. It becomes easier to make it a priority the more you do this intentionally and over a long period of time.
Recommendation: Set aside at least several hours one to two days a week for your significant other. If you’re engaged or married, consider two to three days per week. These are minimum times that can be increased if both partners desire to.
Listen to Each Other In The Good, Bad, and Ugly
LSH couples listen to each other, and listen to each other deeply. They want to be as close as possible to their partner and one of the best ways to do that is by listening often and listening well.
LSH couples create a safe environment for each other to open up in. They build this environment intentionally, knowing that when people are at their most vulnerable in healthy environments, they can be their truest selves.
Individuals in LSH relationships also evaluate how effectively they are contributing to this healthy environment. If they find themselves burnt out, sad, annoyed, or nervous whenever the time shows up to listen to each other, they take this seriously. They identify personal actions to take so that they can bring their healthiest self to the table for such crucial conversations.
Recommendation: Designate time with each other solely to listen, and understand what’s going on in the world of your loved one. Use what’s called global listening — or listening to understand and absorb, not to respond.
Laugh With and Celebrate Each Other
Another action LSH couples engage in often is laughing with and celebrating each other. These couples have so much to be thankful for and share with each other that their joy around each other overflows.
It’s long been said laughter is a foundational aspect of strong relationships. This is true, and LSH couples capitalize on it.
LSH couples laugh with each other, and never at the expense of one another. Fun ceases to be fun when either person is feeling marginalized, ridiculed, or shamed.
These couples also make it a point to understand the other’s sense of humor. One of the best ways to laugh together is understanding what the other person finds funny.
LSH couples don’t force or feel forced to laugh at everything else their partner finds hilarious. They are open to new experiences, but work together to find the experiences they both love — then jump into them often.
Loving, smart, healthy couples also celebrate one another. They get excited about each other’s achievements and back that up with encouraging words. They are thrilled when their partner does well at something and express this in various ways.
Such expressions can include gifts, cards, physical touch, public celebrations, flowers, or a favorite meal. LSH couples know they don’t have to be perfect in these areas, because making effort in consistent ways communicates love.
Recommendation: If you haven’t done this recently, ask your partner what kinds of things they find funny. Then, take them to a show or schedule some time to laugh together. You will have a blast. Remember, too, that some of the funniest times in life occur spontaneously!
Love this material? Check out the full post on Brad’s Medium profile.