People in supportive, loving relationships are more likely to feel healthier, happier, and satisfied with their lives, and less likely to have mental or physical problems or do things that are bad for your health.
Your relationship may be in the honeymoon stage or the maintenance stage, either way, learning these basics can enhance your relationship:
Mutual Respect – Appreciate your partners strengths, acknowledge what they do (or try to do), value their history.
Authentic Compassion – Really care for your spouse. Provide strength when they need a lift, let them lean on you from time to time – without judgment or ridicule.
Intimacy/Sexual Expression – Show your feelings by “feeling” through frequent touch, massage, kiss for 6 seconds (or longer) 3 times a day, hug with your whole heart, date night, quickies, candlelight foreplay, and of course, hold hands.
Truly Listen – Listen with the want to understand in mind, not a defense. Ask questions for clarification. Try to identify with the message.
Share Fond Memories – Remember how it started, what first attracted you, or your favorite date or vacation moments.
Grow Together – Find new passions or hobbies to learn together. Take a language class, learn to ballroom dance, or volunteer.
Bonus: Ask for what you need – give what you want to receive.