Couples enjoying strong and healthy relationships don’t depend on luck or chance to remain happy together, but believe in consistent effort from each other. As a relationship specialist and couple counselor, I frequently encounter couples who have built and maintained longer-lasting, solid relationships through hard work and commitment. In this article, I’ll be sharing five secret habits of couples who stay in love, in good times and in bad, that can serve as valuable lessons for other couples who are keen on having strong and fulfilling relationships.

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Communicate openly: Communication is the most important determinant of a healthy relationship. Close couples frequently vocalize their love and often say “I love you” to each other. They also talk to each other about negative issues instead of ignoring them or looking the other way. Make sure you share your feelings with each other as a couple and make an effort to really listen to each other when communicating.


Spend quality time together: Close couples spend less quantity time and more quality time with each other. Instead of having dinner in front of the television or being engrossed in the cell phone at the dining table, they spend time spent together doing a shared activity. Make it a point of being together with your partner, without being interrupted or distracted by cell phones or television to deepen your bond as a couple.


Spend time apart: Close couples know that spending time apart is as important as spending time together for a strong and healthy relationship. Doing your own things and remaining independent can avoid unhealthy codependence in a relationship. Spend time pursuing individual activities as a couple so that the time spent separately without each other refreshes the relationship and makes you and your partner aware of each other’s importance.


Give respect: Respecting their partner and never taking each other for granted is an integral part of the relationship of close couples. Always avoid name-calling, speaking negatively about your partner to friends or family, or threatening to leave as it can break down respect in your relationship. When you treat your partner with respect, you are likely to get the same in return, which will enrich your relationship.


Show appreciation: Close couples never forget to let each other know how much they are appreciated and also show it. Encouraging words, cards, gifts, flowers, chocolates or acts of kindness are all ways of showing your partner how much you appreciate them. Express your feelings of appreciation to your partner on a constant basis to make them always feel rewarded and loved in the relationship.

If you want to build a strong and fulfilling relationship with your partner or spouse, contact Orly Gueron a Licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship specialist in Aventura, FL!