Zing Muse – Chocolates and roses may put a smile on your partner’s face on Valentine’s Day, but they won’t do much for your relationship in the long run.
If you want your relationship to stand the test of time, focus on being a better partner and developing habits that foster long-term love, says Amy Morin, psychologist and author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Experts reveal the secret to keeping love strong.
Take a photo together and keep it
Whether you keep a casual photo of your partner on your desk or save them as your phone wallpaper, studies show that looking at photos of your partner improves your commitment and the quality of your relationship.
Couples who regularly look at photos of their partner report increased healthy attachment and higher levels of marital satisfaction.
Tell Your Partner Why You Love Them
When you’ve been together for a while, your life can be very different from when you first met. The demands of careers, children, and family responsibilities can make you feel more like work partners than lovers. That’s why it’s important to reaffirm your commitment regularly.
Don’t forget to share with your partner why you chose them, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to do so. Also, remind yourself regularly of all the qualities you love about your partner. Use Valentine’s Day to share something your partner has done recently that you appreciate.
Give your partner the gift of emotional maturity
More than chocolate, roses are one of the best gifts you can give your partner. Honing your emotional regulation skills can improve every aspect of your relationship, from communication to conflict resolution. When you commit to improving your communication skills, your relationship will be much better.
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to share your feelings and talk about your boundaries to improve your relationship. For example, are you letting your friends intrude on your time together? Does your willingness to let the kids sleep in your bed hinder intimacy? Are you allowing extended family to interfere with your relationship? When you develop a plan to protect your relationship, you show emotional maturity and a desire to commit for the long term.
Plan something fun together
Research shows that boredom kills more relationships than conflict. Boredom early in a relationship predicts greater dissatisfaction later in a relationship. So it’s important that you and your partner make every effort to keep your relationship fresh and exciting.
Find new things to do together, like exploring a city you’ve never been to. Small joys and excitements will spark positive emotions and strengthen your relationship. Use Valentine’s Day dinner to plan fun things to do throughout the year.
Linda (Love)
