10 things that a happy couple knows (and maybe you should too)
When it comes to having a happy relationship, ticking all the boxes can seem challenging, if not impossible. This may be especially true if we tend to compare ourselves and our relationships to those of others. So, what is it that a happy couple knows that you don't? There may not be one answer, but healthy relationships do tend to include some specific attributes. Let's take a closer look.
1. Don't sweat the small stuff
There may always be little things about your relationship that are frustrating or challenging to manage. Your partner may do things you don't like or don't understand; you might occasionally argue or disagree. Understanding that ups and downs can be part of a happy relationship may help you prioritize issues that truly impact the health of your connection with your partner. It can be helpful to learn to let the little things go and recognize when there are ways to communicate without conflict.
2. Disagreements will probably happen
It's very likely that, at least occasionally, you and your partner might feel angry at each other. In fact, research suggests that 30% of couples experience some sort of conflict at least once a week, 28% experience conflict at least once a month, and 32% experience conflict once or multiple times per year.
Disagreement often points to differences in expectations, poor communication, and other underlying causes that can usually be fixed as a team.
3. You're in this together
Many happy couples understand that whatever may come to you and your partner, you're likely stronger when you're in it together. Supporting and uplifting one another as individuals and as a couple can be important for long-term happiness. It can be reassuring and empowering to be sure your partner knows you're there for them as a cheerleader and best friend.
4. Relationships take effort
It's often important to keep some sort of spark alive during a relationship; feeling wanted and interesting is something that many people find dies down the longer they stay with a partner, but that doesn't have to be the case. Try to find ways to keep things interesting, whether through regular date nights or simply taking some time to check in with your partner.
5. Express yourself
No one is good at guessing games when they don't even know they're playing. While it can be hard to communicate openly with others, especially those about whom we care, being honest with your partner can be crucial. If it upsets you when your spouse leaves their socks in the middle of the bathroom, for example, make an effort to say something rather than keeping it to yourself. The more we let things build up, the more likely we are to communicate our frustration in less-than-productive ways. Solutions can only come about when we are made aware of the problem in the first place.
6. You should try to be on the same team
No matter what you and your partner face in life, ensuring you're on the same page about what you expect and need can be important. This could mean acting as a united front when parenting, having similar career aspirations, or something else entirely. Remaining in touch with your partner's goals can help you connect to them and bring satisfaction to the relationship over time.
7. Your relationship is between you
You've likely been given advice (solicited or not!) from others about your relationship, but the truth is that only you and your partner(s) can decide what constitutes a successful relationship for you. The pressure to do things the "right" way can sometimes lead us to make decisions with which we're not happy, so it can be important to remember your own autonomy in a relationship. If you don't want to get married, have children, live together, etc., there's no pressure to – doing things your own way doesn't have to reflect on the quality of your relationship, either.
8. Your relationship may change
It's possible that the nature of your relationship might change over time. The same goes for your feelings for your partner. While the way you feel may not be less, it might be different. It's okay to experience shifts in how you view yourself, your partner, and the relationship you have; in fact, it may indicate that your bond is strong enough to overcome life changes.
9. Have your own lives
While there's nothing wrong with loving to spend time with your partner, it can be equally important to find things that you can do and enjoy for yourself. Whether that means you each take a class in something you enjoy (separately), or you spend time with your friends a couple times a month, finding ways to pursue personal passions can help you make sure you don't sacrifice your well-being for someone else.
10. Know that asking for help isn't a weakness
Many couples experience challenges in their relationship related to communication, learning how to compromise, and more. If you and your partner are in a rough patch or may benefit from the guidance of an outside party, you're not alone. Personal experiences and differences mean that just about anyone in a relationship can benefit from support, regardless of how things are going.
You can think of realizing you may benefit from outside help as a sign that you value your relationship enough to want to do whatever it takes to make it better and stronger. No matter what that means for you, finding a professional with whom to work may be a step in the right direction.
Mental health professionals who specialize in couples therapy can help you navigate conflicts as they arise, work to understand one another fully and find the best ways to support your partner. Speaking with an online therapist allows you to receive care from wherever makes the most sense for you and your partner.
Additionally, online therapy has been shown to be effective and beneficial for couples. In fact, one study noted that some online therapy patients find that they're more comfortable discussing information through web-based sessions than in-person, perhaps because of the distance that an online platform can help create. Online therapy may act as a safe space for you and your partner to discuss your genuine feelings, receive advice, and come together to find solutions to problems.
Takeaway
There may not be any one secret that happy couples can thank for the success of their relationship, but there are some general tips you can keep in mind to help keep you and your partner as content as possible. Understanding that some level of conflict can be normal and that it's okay to disagree can be reassuring. Likewise, working with a mental health professional to develop the skills necessary to keep relationships alive and thriving can help.
What is the meaning of a happy couple?
It may seem like happy couples are always happy, but that’s not necessarily true. Every couple argues and has rough patches. Happy couples may understand how to fight in a healthy, productive way. Every couple is different, but those who might be considered happy may take the time to consider how their partner feels, work on solving problems together, and know how to compromise.
How do you describe a happy couple?
One way to describe a happy couple is one where both partners are committed to the relationship and willing to put in the time and effort to make it work.
How do you say “happy couple?”
You can use other terms to describe a happy couple, including lovely pair, lovebirds, and perfect match.
What is the difference between a happy couple and an unhappy couple?
Every couple is different, but some significant differences might appear between happy and unhappy couples. Happy couples may openly communicate about everything, even the tough stuff, while unhappy couples may keep things to themselves and try to handle challenges on their own. Unhappy couples may hold a grudge and bring up mistakes from the past, while happy couples may be more likely to let things go. Happy couples may also be more likely to prioritize their relationship than unhappy ones.
What is the meaning of a romantic couple?
Couples have romance, which may be considered the thing that takes two people beyond being just friends. Romance describes how two people feel about each other and the acts and gestures they undertake to express their affection. For example, a couple may be considered romantic if they buy each other flowers or show frequent displays of affection.
What are the qualities of couples?
At a very basic level, a couple is two people who have made a romantic commitment to one another. What this means can vary drastically from couple to couple.
There are many novels written that explore the idea of the perfect couple. In the funny novel The Perfect Couple by Naoise Dolan, we meet Celine and Luke, a young couple heading down the aisle. As the wedding approaches, we also meet three friends of theirs, Archie (best man), Phoebe (maid of honor), and Vivian (wedding guest), and see how their five lives intersect.
What is another word for the perfect couple?
You may call a perfect couple a happy couple, a perfect pair, or lovebirds.
What is a normal couple called?
There is no such thing as a “normal” couple. A couple can be any two people who are romantically committed to one another.
Do you say beautiful couple or couples?
It depends on what you are referring to. When referring to a single couple, say “beautiful couple.” If you are talking about more than one couple, say “couples.”
Why do unhappy couples stay together?
Some people may stay with their partner if they’re unhappy because they prefer the stability of their life and don’t want to rock the boat. Others may feel utterly stuck in a marriage, be afraid of change, or be so focused on climbing the corporate ladder that they are no longer working on their relationship. It may also be the case that an unhappy couple doesn’t realize the severity of their emotional distance from their partner and the state of their domestic life. This can lead to many problems, from one partner becoming a serial cheater to both partners resenting one another.
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