Being in a relationship with someone who was willing to make things work was something I had always dreamed of.
After years of failed relationships and heartbreak, I finally found someone who seemed to be on the same page as me.
We connected instantly, and it wasn’t long before we were officially a couple.
But as time went on, I started noticing little things that bothered me about our relationship.
Small arguments turned into bigger fights, and communication became strained.
It seemed like we were drifting apart instead of growing closer.
I tried to talk to my partner about my concerns, and we made promises to work on our issues.
This was the beginning of happiness for us.
We were able to improve our relationship and work on our differences to accommodate each other.
Here are seven things I did to improve my relationship.
7 Things I Did to Become Happier in My Relationship
1. I Communicated Openly and Honestly
Let’s face it, communication is the bread and butter of any relationship.
You can’t expect your partner to read your mind unless you’re dating a psychic or your partner has some pretty cool voodoo, in which case, good luck.
But where that is not the case, you have to open your mouth to talk.
We made it a point to talk about everything, from our daily activities to our deepest fears, previous mistakes, regrets, and dreams and desires.
We left nothing unsaid that should be said.
Honest conversations helped us understand each other better and build trust.
We even set aside a “talk time” each week to discuss anything that was on our minds.
Think of it as a mini-therapy session without the hefty bill.
2. I Showed Appreciation Regularly
Remembering to say “thank you” for the little things can go a long way.
I started to acknowledge and appreciate my partner’s efforts, whether it was doing the dishes, making the bed, or just being there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on after binge-watching a sad TV series (don’t you laugh at me).
Appreciation can be shown in different forms, such as words of affirmation, small gestures, or acts of service.
I made it a point to express my gratitude for my partner every day, and I noticed how it made them feel valued and loved.
It’s amazing how these small expressions of gratitude can strengthen your bond and make both partners feel valued, needed, and respected.
Plus, it’s a great way to rack up those brownie points.
3. We Spent Quality Time Together
We all get busy, but making time for each other is very important.
I didn’t realize this particular aspect until my partner pointed it out to me.
We started setting aside dedicated quality time for each other, such as date nights, weekend trips, or even just a quiet night to watch our favorite movies.
One time, we chose to cook dinner together, and we burned dinner, but that’s where the real fun began that day.
That’s how we found out that the kitchen is indeed one of the greatest dance floors.
The goal was to enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of work, phones, or other obligations. I
Quality time helped us reconnect and create lasting memories.
It’s like pressing the ‘refresh’ button on your relationship.
4. I Practiced Active Listening
Listening is more than just hearing words; it’s about understanding and empathizing with your partner’s feelings.
You’re a detective on a mission.
I learned to listen actively by giving my full attention, making eye contact, and asking thoughtful questions.
I literally listen with my whole body, not just my ears.
This not only made my partner feel heard but also deepened our emotional connection.
It’s amazing what you can learn about each other when you actually listen.
For instance, I discovered my partner’s secret love for cheesy 80s music. Who knew?
5. We Resolved Conflicts with Patience and Respect
Arguments are inevitable unless you’re robots programmed to agree on everything.
But how you handle them makes all the difference.
We focused on resolving conflicts with patience and respect, avoiding blame, and instead discussing how we felt and what we needed.
We don’t attack each other; instead, we address what’s wrong and stay on course.
Our slogan is “I am not my mistake; I did bad, but that doesn’t mean I’m bad until I repeat it; don’t judge me.”
We also learned the art of compromise and the importance of apologizing when we were wrong.
Pro tip: It’s okay to be wrong sometimes, even if it means admitting you don’t know everything about assembling IKEA furniture.
6. We Supported Each Other’s Goals and Dreams
Encouraging each other’s personal growth can strengthen your relationship.
We made it a priority to support each other’s goals, whether they were career ambitions, personal projects, or hobbies.
Being each other’s cheerleader not only built mutual respect but also brought us closer together.
Plus, it’s always nice to have someone in your corner when you’re trying to conquer the world or just finish that DIY project in the garage.
7. We Maintained a Sense of Humor
Laughter is truly the best medicine.
We found joy in the everyday moments, laughed at our mistakes, and didn’t take ourselves too seriously.
A sense of humor helped us navigate tough times and made our relationship more fun and lighthearted.
We really laughed through it all.
Whether it was sharing funny memes, making silly faces, or laughing at each other’s bad jokes, humor was our secret weapon.
After all, couples who laugh together stay together.
That’s how we became each other’s, favorite comedians.
Embrace the Journey Together
Improving your relationship doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort and a lot of love, you can create a stronger, more fulfilling bond.
It’s the little things that often make the biggest difference.
Every small act of kindness, every moment of understanding, and every shared laugh bring you closer together.
What steps have you taken to improve your relationship?
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.