When it comes to the best ways to forge a successful, lasting relationship, it seems everyone has a secret to success to share — and while we certainly want all the help we can get in order to avoid being one of the many adults who divorce, the seemingly endless stream of tips and tricks can often feel overwhelming.
Plus, as amazing as your friends and family are (and we’re sure they are), they aren’t professionals! To help you keep your eye on that wedded-bliss prize, we’ve sought out expert advice on how to keep your marriage happy and healthy. Keep reading to learn the details behind these seven proven suggestions.
SEE ALSO: 6 experts share the worst piece of relationship advice they've ever heard
1. Keep dating
Just because you’ve put a ring on it doesn’t mean that you should give up dating forever… as long as it happens with your spouse! David Ezell, CEO and Clinical Director of counseling and mental wellness group Darien Wellness, urges marrieds to keep that spark alive with regular, intentional quality time.
“When couples come to my clinic for help, I always ask when is the last time they had a date,” Ezell reveals. “Dates aren’t with other couples and dates are never with kids in tow.” Research shows that making a routine of focused, one-on-one time is the best way to sustain the kind of connection that is bound to keep a marriage going strong.
2. Set shared goals
Signing up to run a race together or committing to a collective monthly saving plan that will allow you to take the vacation you’ve been dreaming of is a great way to strengthen your relationship with your partner.
In particular, certified counselor Jonathan Bennett cites an academic study that demonstrates the romantic benefits of training for endurance events (e.g., a marathon, triathlon, or bike race) with a loved one. “Shared goals that a couple can work toward help give a relationship greater purpose,” Bennett notes. “Also, the time spent achieving those goals helps the couple strengthen their bond.”
3. Practice daily acts of kindness
“Past studies have shown that people who take the time to consistently give and support someone actually care for this person more,” shares Steve McGough, director of research and development at Women & Couples Wellness.
Make it your personal mission to do something special or unexpected for your spouse every day (or at least almost every day). Establishing a kindness habit will make you fall in love with your S.O. even more — and we bet you didn’t even think that was possible, right?
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