- Effective communication is essential.
All relationships are built on communication, and issues can arise when it doesn’t. According to study, it’s actually the main cause of divorce for couples in the United States.
According to Hardin, around half of the messages that are sent and received between two people when they are communicating are nonverbal. Therefore, it’s imperative that you stand back and consider your partner’s viewpoint whenever you’re speaking, particularly while composing texts and emails.
In order to establish connection and validation, Hardin advises adopting a communication style known as a bid for affection, in which one partner approaches the other.
According to her, a bid might be as easy as asking your spouse how their day was or as simple as sending them a humorous GIF or video.
- Constructive argumentation can be beneficial.
Arguments from time to time are unavoidable and sometimes even rather normal. According to Hardin, what matters is how spouses dispute. “To have a fruitful disagreement, partners should talk to each other with dignity and respect instead of becoming overly emotional, which can lead to more problems,” she continues.
Hardin advises stopping the talk and deciding to revisit it at a later date if you or your partner start to feel overwhelmed. Physical closeness might also help when you’re facing a tough topic.
According to Hardin, “physiological connection—such as holding hands or sitting very close to one another—can keep people emotionally grounded during the argument.” “This can really help couples to continue to feel cherished and connected, allowing the disagreement to continue being fruitful.
- Closeness may play a significant role.
Speaking your mind is essential if you value physical closeness in a relationship, according to Hardin.
She claims that “we humans do a terrible job of assisting people in learning how to communicate successfully around physical intimacy.” “Begin by having an honest conversation about what works and what doesn’t, what you like and what you don’t like, and then make changes as needed.”
Hardin advises seeing a licensed sex therapist if your relationship’s problems with physical closeness persist.
- Schedule time for your partnership.
Among other things, work, school, and children can divert our attention from our relationships, so it’s critical to strike a balance.
“You’re not leaving much room for your relationship if you’re giving work or other activities your whole attention,” says Hardin. Remember that in order to interact with your spouse in a productive way, you must reserve some of your energy for yourself.
Hardin suggests taking a step back from work, getting a babysitter, planning romantic nights, or even having physical contact.
- Preserving individuality is also crucial.
Couples’ lives can occasionally become so entwined that they lose their sense of self.
According to Hardin, “maintaining your individual interests can help strengthen your sense of self.” You are stable and able to assist your spouse no matter what is going on, but you also have the capacity to get back up on your own.
In addition to regularly practicing self-care, Hardin advises examining your own values, interests, and pastimes on your own or with companions.
- Little things can have a significant effect.
While lavish presents on Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and other occasions could be a unique way to show someone you appreciate them, Hardin suggests that modest gestures made more frequently may have greater meGuidelines for a Happy Partnershipaning.
“The most important thing you can do for your relationship is to respond positively to your partner in everyday things, like checking in with them throughout the day or picking up flowers on your way home,” she continues.