1. Tell your partner what they had for lunch.
Or you could simply snap a photo and send it to him, like mentioning your boss wore a bizarre tie today. Psychologists say that sharing small things is a key factor in maintaining close relationships, especially when you're in a long-distance relationship—it's an important way to sustain your bond!
2. Say "thank you" to them, including for small favors.
Researchers at Florida State University have found that expressing gratitude can make a relationship more positive. It feels amazing to be appreciated by your partner!
3. Let's go out together.
Go running, play tennis, work out, take a yoga class—do something you both love. A survey of nearly 3,000 stable couples by the UK company Vouchercloud found that 85% said going out together improved their relationship, while 61% said it brought them closer.
4. Get a good night's sleep
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, conducted a two-week experiment that showed that poor sleep quality the night before greatly increases the likelihood of venting negative energy on one's partner the following day. Night owls, take note!
5. When sleeping, snuggle together.
Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, surveyed the sleep habits of 1,000 people. Among those who habitually have physical contact while sleeping, 94% said they thoroughly enjoyed the relationship, while only 68% of the remaining group said they enjoyed the intimacy.
6. Hug them or kiss them, provided it's not for the purpose of sex!
Couples who only have physical contact during sex, take note: according to Taibbi, author of *Family and Couples Therapy*, this can lead to an awkward impasse in your relationship: seeking warmth only when anxious is a very bad habit! The only solution is to find opportunities to hug and kiss your partner in everyday life, such as when they are cooking for you!
7. Show interest in their hobbies.
Be sure to give positive feedback about the things your partner enjoys doing. Psychologist Dr. John Gottman suggests that when your partner says, "Wow, there's a cute cat over there," a warm response will make them admire you even more.
8. Invite your friends who are couples or spouses to have a meal together.
Scientists at Stony Brook University in New York State suggest that a more open conversation can make you feel more loved. So, instead of staying in the same old two-person world, why not have a conversation with the four of you?
9. Have a heart-to-heart talk every day, even if it's only for 15 minutes.
Remember, nothing is more important than a heart-to-heart talk!
10. Share household chores
A Pew Research Center survey shows that sharing household chores can make you more harmonious.
11. When a major argument occurs, take a nap and then actively try to resolve the issue.
Please note that this isn't about teaching you to cool off when facing problems, but rather that you're more likely to say hurtful things when you're acting impulsively. Try taking a nap first, and then analyzing the problem logically and systematically when you wake up.
12. When they make you angry, listen to their explanation.
Compared to casual friends, we are far more likely to get angry with those close to us. Always remember that you are two people with different perspectives!
13. Share your good news with them.
Researchers at UCLA say that responding positively to each other's good news brings you closer. And of course, throwing a celebration party would be even better!
14. Let's participate in a new activity together.
The American Psychological Association's journal *Personality and Social Psychology* encourages people and their partners to participate in unusual activities that can lead to fun experiences. Experiencing a new world with your partner is sure to be exciting!
15. Kiss me lots!
A study published in the American magazine *Archives of Sexual Behavior* found a positive correlation between satisfaction in intimate relationships and the frequency of kissing. This is super easy to achieve—kiss now! Let's go!
16. Spend a day alone with your friends.
Don't always be together! Separating for a while will make your next meeting even more enjoyable.
Remember these tips? Don't forget to share them with your special someone!
