We can thank modern science for all of the thorough research on how to have a better relationship because it has taught us a lot about what keeps people in love — and what causes them to fall out of love. For example, we've just discovered that dividing domestic responsibilities equally and without regard to gender is one strategy to keep couples happy and sexually active. Who'd have guessed?! Let's take a look at what else made the cut.
Here are 11 things proven to make better relationships.
1. Keep an optimistic mindset.
It may sound impossible to believe and like something out of a pop psychology guidebook, but remaining optimistic has been shown to improve many aspects of your life, including your profession, social life, and, yes, your relationship. Positive thinking can even influence the rhythmic pounding of your heart, according to Professor Barbara Fredrickson of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
2. Argue in a constructive manner
Couples with poor communication skills are among the world's most miserable people, according to studies. However, this comes as no surprise. Every couple fights at some point, so don't feel guilty if you're one of them. It's not how often you argue, but how you argue that has the most impact on your relationship.
3. Don't get into a quarrel about money.
4. Encourage each other
by using statements like "Great job!" and "I'm so proud of you." Couples who use phrases like these report feeling happier and less depressed. It only takes one week of uttering three of those sentences once a day to notice the results!
5. Outside of your relationship, cultivate close friendships.
6. Increase the amount of time you spend together each week by six hours.
According to studies, couples who spend an extra six hours a week together than the average relationship are more likely to make it to the finish line. You could be thinking to yourself, "Wait, that's a complete night's sleep." Not so fast, my friend. To strengthen your better relationship, you don't have to do an all-nighter. It only takes a few tiny gestures throughout the day to keep the romance alive.
7. Don't make hasty decisions.
Researchers at Emory University discovered that the longer a couple dates before getting married, the more likely they are to stay together for the rest of their lives. It's better to take your time, get to know each other thoroughly, and avoid putting pressure on one other to commit to something too soon. Remember to check-in and see where your buddy is along the road. The more you ask for their input, the easier it will be to communicate effectively.
8. Spend more time talking to each other.
The happiest married couples are said to spend approximately five hours a week just hanging out and talking. That's all there is to it! It's just a conversation!
9. Have sex at least once a week (or more)
10. Laugh more while you're with each other.
According to research, couples who indulge in "shared laughter" are happier in their relationship and find it easier to remember all the nice things they have in common. You can feel closer than you did before as soon as you start laughing.
11. Collaborate on new experiences.
Whatever you want to do, go somewhere new, take a dance class, or jump off of a plane together. These experiences are known as "self-expanding activities" (I know, these phrases are so lame), and they're designed to get you out of your boring, mundane routine and into some fun. Couples that grow together and shake things up every now and then are found to be stronger in the long term, according to studies.