7 Effective Habits of Strong Relationships

Having chemistry with someone is the seed that plants romantic relationships. But chemistry in itself is never enough to help two people endure and grow with one another. There aren’t any mind-bending secrets or otherworldly magic tricks to making love last. When it comes right down to it, the answer is actually quite simple. It’s the things we often overlook that are screaming right in front of us, and yet we might deny them as solutions, because it involves “too much work.” But, anything worth having in life will never come easy. If that were the case, then nothing would be special. Psych2Go shares with you 7 effective habits of strong relationships:

1. Physical contact

Closeness and trust often go hand in hand. Therefore, intimacy is important when there’s a willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Hand holding, hugging, cuddling, and kissing are all engagements of physical contact that let you know you’re there for your partner. It makes a huge obvious statement that you want to be close to them.

I noticed that I admittedly struggle in this department in the initial stage of dating someone. But, the closer I feel towards someone over time as we build a stronger bond of trust, the more physically affectionate I become. It’s a slow dance, but that doesn’t mean the closeness isn’t there. Sometimes, it’s not about the quantity of intimacy, but rather how we choose to deliver it.

2. Open communication

You can’t be afraid to communicate with your partner. This means being comfortable with each other. It also means holding judgment and keeping an open mind, so the two of you can engage in honest conversations. It’s important to cultivate a safe space where both of you feel like you don’t have to hesitate to speak about something instead of letting it fester up inside, leaving things grey and ambiguous.

This is why I tend to treat someone more like a friend first when I initially get to know them. I want to know I’m dating someone who can become my best friend. It would be pointless forming a relationship with someone I’m not comfortable being all of myself with. People who are patient with me often win my heart. It encourages me to be open. Otherwise, I hold back.

3. Compatible sense of humor

It’s important to laugh together. It means that you’re able to break tension together even within the worst of times. Life gets rough and can be downright bleak. Being able to laugh and being silly together lets you and your partner know that you can walk through the darkness together.

I tend to pay close attention to what people laugh about. I think it says a lot about who they are. It’s the best feeling ever when I can make someone laugh so naturally without having the intention of being funny in the first place. It allows me to be light. Plus, it shows that my partner is willing to accept my weirdness. Weirdness in sync is my favorite expression of love.

4. Emotional bonding

Any strong relationship needs a solid foundation of emotional bonding. This means finding ways to do things together to continuously build connections. Couples demonstrate this in various ways, ranging from learning a new hobby together to having deep discussions about life. It’s all about forming a sense of unity.

My own form of emotional bonding is when I ask my partner questions about his life. By learning more about him, it opens up ways for me to understand him better. Having heart-to-heart conversations helps me feel closer to someone.

5. Making up after arguments

It’s an important skill to have to learn how to make amends with your partner after an argument. Fighting is what produces distance and often leads to breakups. People who have strong relationships learn not to hold grudges and are willing to admit when they are wrong.

I have very stubborn tendencies. When I truly believe in something, I can hold my ground firmly to the point of being unhealthy at times. But, when I really care about someone and realize I have hurt them, I step up and own up to my own mistakes, going the extra mile to make things okay again.

6. Not taking each other for granted

Letting your partner know how special and how much they mean to you keeps a relationship going strong. It’s so easy to grow comfortable with someone and forget to compliment them. Letting your partner know that they are valued continues establishing closeness.

I like to show that I’m not taking someone for granted by being there for them. I tend to lend a listening ear because I want to show them that their thoughts and feelings are valid as an individual. I also like to ask my partner about their passions, because hearing about what they have their heart invested in is a way I can reach them.

7. Seeing a future together

Knowing that you’ll always be together, through thick and thin, and maintaining that kind of faith is a big deal. It means that the two of you actually see a future with each other. Life throws curveballs often when we least expect them, but being able to count on your partner to be there by your side every step of the way is what truly seals the deal on any strong relationship.

Are you in a relationship? What habits do you form to make it last? Psych2Go would love to hear your thoughts! Please be sure to leave a comment down below!