There is no miracle recipe for a successful relationship. However, while being happy together is based first and foremost on chemistry specific to each couple, there are some “ingredients” we can focus on to encourage, support, and develop our love for one another. There are indeed some rules or rather, secrets that can help. They aren’t magical, but they’re valuable tips that can be useful to all those who embark on the path of married life.

Discover the 7 secrets of relationship happiness. Which ones resonate with you the most?

They Accept Each Other’s Differences

It’s nearly impossible to find two people who do everything in exactly the same way. Being somewhat different from your partner can make your relationship more fun and exciting. You might get the chance to look at things in a new way, or experience things you wouldn’t have tried on your own. Compromise is a natural part of putting two distinct human beings together. It can be a celebration of our uniqueness. As long as both partners are willing to make adjustments or give things up for the sake of a better relationship, then the process of negotiation will only make you stronger. Happy couples don’t give up who they are to be in a relationship, but they work with their partners to bring out the best in one another.

They Cultivate The Art Of Their Conversations

One of the biggest problems in communicating is that most couples have a basic misconception of what the purpose of communication is.  Most approach talking with a partner as a debate in which each presents a preconceived version of the reality of what is going on between the two partner. One purpose of communication is to determine what reality is. Happy couples communicate in order to bring collaboration or oneness between them as they share and examine all of their perceptions, feelings, ideas and thoughts to come to an accurate understanding of what is happening. They have a special way of communicating that they reserve for their partners. What makes it special is that it does not include abusive behaviours such as: being complaining, demanding, bossy, irritable, sarcastic, childish, and condescending…to name a few.

They Practice Gratitude

Happy couples make it a point to notice when their partner has done something kind or thoughtful for them. They let their partners know that they appreciate their thoughtfulness by expressing your gratitude. They consider the personality of their partners and their history together and reflect upon the best ways for you, as a unique couple, to express gratitude. Showing gratitude helps because perhaps your partner would deeply appreciate a genuine “thank you,” or a sweet little note hidden someplace, or a hug at the end of the day.  Part of expressing true gratitude to your partner is expressing it in a way that shows you understand and appreciate them.

They Cultivate Physical Expressions Of Affection

Affection is more than just an emotion, it can be considered as a requirement in healthy relationships. Affection is an ebb and flow between two people, where each individual is giving and receiving a certain amount of contact and interaction at all times. Whether it is through a hug, kiss or just a phone call, affection is the way we show others in our lives how important they are in the world. Happy couples show physical expressions of affection as a way to showing the love they carry in their hearts for their partners.

They Text Less When Together But Have More Face To Face Interactions

In the good old days, dating was defined by a series of face-to-face encounters. People met, they spent time in each other’s company, they got to know each other’s friends and couples, and they evaluated the quality of their connection and compatibility in person. Sure, they talked on the phone or maybe sent the occasional letter, but the core of their relationship centred on face-to-face interactions. A subtle shift seems to be occurring in today’s dating relationships and it warrants our attention. Technology that once supplemented relationship development is now, it seems, taking on a larger role in relationship formation and maintenance. Happy couples often make a ground rule I n their relationship that when together, texting will be replaced by meaningful conversations together.

They Work Together As A Team

Partners in healthy relationships respect communicating the importance of each other’s time. They explore what they like to do as a couple, and individually, to grow the relationship, as well as themselves. Men are more likely to do nice things for people who show them massive amounts of respect. That’s how male brains are wired. In a relationship, it’s important to know that her brain is a little bit different. When it comes to planning and scheduling, two activities that actually relax the female brain, you both want to feel important. Including each other in the decision-making process shows that you care about each other’s schedules and interests.

They Energize And Inspire One Another

When you see each other, in your elements, you’ll become impressed, inspired and excited, which will help strengthen your relationship. Simple gestures can go a long way to energize your partner. Healthy couples know the importance of that ‘unspoken language’. Small things like eye contact or small talk are often overlooked, but can really help boost someone’s mood.