Keeping Your Relationship Strong: Tips for Austinites

When a relationship is new, we don't often think about how to keep it fresh; we're already there. But as a couple grows together, if they don't do the work necessary to stay connected and strong, the first sign of a problem may be the last. The following tips for a strong relationship are simple and easy to follow if you start implementing them early on.

Here’s a quick list, with more details below:

• Building a healthy relationship
• Don't forget to date your spouse
• Share your thoughts
• Falling in love vs. staying in love
• Share your daily highs and lows
• Find something you appreciate about your spouse every day
• Focus on the positive
• Don't argue over money
• Tell your partner often why you love them
• Spend quality time face-to-face
• Show affection daily
• Stay connected through communication
• Tell your partner what you need; don't make them guess
• Set goals as a couple

Building a healthy relationship.

If the foundation is strong, then little can affect the relationship. To strengthen your relationship from the very beginning, make an effort to discover and implement relationship strategies for a lasting connection.

Don't forget to date your spouse.

A common complaint in longtime relationships is that one or both of the partners don't feel special anymore. To keep a relationship strong, treat your spouse like you're dating them. Surprise them with little gifts, take them on an impromptu date night, hold hands, and let them know you still find them intriguing.

Share your thoughts.

A lack of communication skills can derail any relationship. Don't hold back how you feel about things. If something that your partner does bothers you, don't swallow it down and suffer; let them know in a direct but respectful way.

Falling in love vs. staying in love.

Understand the differences between new love and lasting love. Many people abandon a relationship when there are changes in their feelings of newness and excitement. Relationships change, and long-term love can feel different than the hormone-fueled attraction that initially brings two people together. It is more stable, and yes, it can be less exciting at times. But the connection that builds over time creates a strong bond that can be extremely rewarding.

Share your daily highs and lows.

Take some time when you're together in the evening to share the good and the bad that happened during the day. Support one another emotionally through negative feelings and celebrate each other's wins.

Find something you appreciate about your spouse every day.

You can help keep your relationship strong by making a habit of looking for the amazing things that drew you to your partner in the first place. A healthy relationship consists of people who look for the best in each other.

Focus on the positive.

In relationships, as in life, there are ups and downs. However, by keeping your attention on the positive, you can make your relationship stronger. This doesn't mean you close your eyes to harmful behavior, but that in the course of a healthy relationship, you make a point to focus on the good rather than spending time looking for problems. (Yes, your partner snores, but they are also incredibly generous!)

Don't argue over money; communicate.

Effective communication can help prevent one of the most common ongoing arguments for couples. Money is a huge conflict for many people, and yet creating a mutual spending plan can help. Talk honestly about what your financial priorities are, and be prepared to give and take a little.

Tell your partner often why you love them.

To keep the relationship positive, take some time to show your partner not only that you care but also why you care. Make eye contact, and share what you find wonderful about them as a person.

Spend quality time face-to-face.

Healthy relationships are maintained when you spend time together as a couple. Plan fun things...take a day trip together, go on weekend vacations, do a weekly date night, and treat your spouse or partner like a trusted friend.

Show affection daily.

Daily affection is not only a fun way to show your partner how much you care; it can also reduce stress. Happy relationships include cuddling, hugs, and other little things in addition to sex (for most people). Touch releases a neurotransmitter called oxytocin, also known as the cuddle or love hormone. It draws people closer together in addition to offering a mood boost.

Stay connected through communication.

If you want a happy relationship: talk! A common problem in relationships that end is a lack of communication. Keep your relationship fresh by really talking to your partner and listening to what they have to say. Maintain eye contact, lean in, and let them know that you hear what they are saying, even when you disagree. Expect the same level of understanding from them.

Tell your partner what you need; don't make them guess.

Avoid assigning blame to your partner by being upfront about your needs. Honesty is important. Let them know what you're feeling, especially during times of conflict.

Set goals as a couple.

View yourself and your partner as a unit, as a team. A healthy relationship consists of two different people who come together as friends, lovers, and partners in the true sense of the word. Your interests should coincide, and you should work together in your relationship to set goals for your life, marriage, and family.

Recognize that all relationships have ups and downs

Even with good communication, conflict resolution skills, and a commitment to your relationship, there will still be ups and downs, and it's important to recognize this. To keep a relationship strong, you can't assume that a low point in your relationship is the end. A healthy relationship requires effort to maintain, but when you put in the work and recognize that you and your partner are human, it can pay off in a big way.

Learn How to Respectfully Resolve Conflict Through Therapy

Even a happy relationship or marriage takes work. There is no perfect scenario in which relationships are free from problems or conflicts. To keep your relationship strong, you should learn how to disagree with your partner in a healthy way. These skills are not inherent, but they can be learned.

A simple way to learn conflict resolution is through talk therapy, either marriage or couples counseling or individual therapy. A licensed therapist can share how to show respect while talking, even if emotions are high and you are coming from a different perspective. They will also have tips and strategies to build a good relationship by keeping your focus on your own needs and life while also sharing with your partner.

A healthy relationship or marriage that lasts for life can be beneficial in so many ways. A life partner can offer understanding, respect, fun, and family. They accept you, good and bad, for who you are. They strengthen resilience against stress. A healthy relationship can actually be good for your physical health and improve longevity. Wherever you are in your commitment and relationship, start using these tips to learn to communicate, value, and express your feelings to the person you love. With a little bit of time and effort, your relationship can stay strong for life.

Relationship and Couples Therapy in Austin

If you live in Austin and you’re feeling a strain in your relationship, couples therapy with a licensed mental health therapist can help.

Williamsburg Therapy Group is home to Austin's best couples therapists, who all maintain a high level of availability so you and your partner can get the care you deserve as fast as possible.

Give us a call, and our patient coordinator will help connect you with the right doctoral-level couples therapist for your relationship.