To "hold hands and grow old together" with the one you love is the ultimate dream for every couple. However, we often overlook the fact that lasting love requires mutual effort. There are certain habits that we should remember even when we're busy, so that our busy lives don't erode our feelings for each other. Recently, the American magazine *Women's Health* published a cover story suggesting that couples should do these 11 everyday things to make their relationship even closer and happier!
1. Hold hands for 5 minutes every day
Studies show that couples who hold hands while walking are happier than those who walk one in front of the other. Walking side by side increases physical contact and time for sharing and communication, making you feel like you're romantically "growing old together." Clinical sexologist Charlie Fuller recommends that couples hold hands for at least 5 minutes every day.
2. Hug once a day
Dr. Mark Goulston suggests that, if possible, we should hug our partners once a day. Because when two people hug, they are closest to each other, creating a positive memory of skin contact. They can feel each other's warmth, feel safe, and it also stimulates the soul, strengthening emotional connection.
3. Do at least one thing together every day.
When you get home from get off work, you cook while he watches TV, you read while he plays games; when you go out on dates, whether it's for dinner or a walk, you're both on your phones… If this is your daily routine, you really need to rethink it. Scholars suggest that couples should do at least one thing together every day: watch TV together, cook together, hang laundry together, play puzzles together, etc. There are many things couples can do together; don't let your relationship drift apart.
4. Kiss once a day
We feel happy when we kiss. Recent statistics show that the average kiss between lovers lasts 45 seconds, providing the same stimulating effect as eating 25 grams of chocolate, while also burning an incredible 12 calories! Kissing can keep you in a good mood and make your time together more comfortable.
5. Going to bed at the same time
Bedtime is the best time for couples to communicate and increase the chances of intimacy. Try to maintain the habit of going to bed at the same time; doing so for a month can improve your relationship and sex life. Even couples in different places can do the same thing to feel synchronized and create a sense of intimacy, as if your partner is right beside you.
6. Remember to say "goodnight" before going to bed.
Saying "goodnight" before bed every day can help your partner fall asleep with your tenderness and provide them with a sense of security. Also, avoid bringing arguments into bed; it's especially unsuitable to argue before sleep. No matter how bad your mood is, remember to say "goodnight."
7. Persist in saying goodbye with a kiss.
Sexologist Pam Spall says that a kiss before work in the morning makes the day memorable; the more intense and passionate the kiss, the deeper the memory and the more likely it is to ignite a desire to go home after get off work. For couples, a goodbye kiss after each date is also important.
8. Occasionally separate for a period of time
Relationships can experience a period of fatigue. Experts suggest that couples, being very close, are more prone to this phase, and therefore should take time apart. Short separations can make you miss each other, effectively making "absence makes the heart grow fonder."
9. Choose suitable clothing for the other person.
Choosing what your partner should wear in the morning, heating up a glass of milk, or squeezing toothpaste onto their toothbrush—these sweet little daily routines remind you that you care about and love each other.
10. Give a compliment or thank you once a day.
“I tell my husband seriously at least once a day how handsome and charming he is. Every time I do this, he looks deeply into my eyes,” says sex and marriage expert Melissa Chapman. Expressing your appreciation to your partner is the simplest yet most magical way to enhance your relationship.
If you're shy about expressing praise, start with "thank you." Saying "thank you" is just as important as saying "I love you." Research has found that expressing gratitude to each other is very beneficial for strengthening close relationships.
11. Send a sweet message
When you're not together, try sending loving messages or pictures via text or email. It's a way to openly express how much you miss them and lay the foundation for intimacy when you finally meet.
12. The first thing I do when I wake up is "I love you".
Everyone longs to be loved. Saying "I love you" every day not only expresses your care for your partner, but also subtly cultivates your patience and magnanimity in the process. The above content is exclusively authorized for use and may not be reproduced without the copyright holder's authorization.
