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4 Habits of Healthy Couples
When talking about relationships, you’ve probably heard the term “healthy relationship”. But what does it mean to be in one? Is a healthy relationship one in which you’re happy? Or in good physical health? Well– both, actually.
Good health encompasses many aspects of our overall well-being, like our physical, mental, and emotional health, all of which are especially important when considering the quality of your relationship.
There are many ways that couples can work together to not only enjoy their love lives, but maintain good physical and mental health as time goes on. Here are some ways that you and your partner can carry out a healthy, long-lasting relationship and grow old happily together.
Prioritizing intimacy
Oftentimes, couples in unhealthy relationships find themselves in that position due to a lack of intimacy. Yet, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the spark is gone. It’s completely normal for couples to experience challenges in the bedroom, whether that comes in the form of erectile dysfunction for him, body image issues for her, or a lack of desire to be intimate altogether for either of you. Regardless of whichever challenge you face, it’s important to know that this doesn’t mean your relationship is unhealthy. It could just mean you’re not making enough time for intimacy, or that you aren’t catering to your partner’s (or your own) specific needs.
There are plenty of ways to make intimacy a priority in your relationship. Set time aside each day for you two to spend time together with few expectations. Allow yourselves to be close: hold hands, enjoy a special dinner, or simply just have a conversation about your day. Be open and honest about the things that are bothering you and what your needs are, and intimacy problems will come fewer and far between. If you’re still struggling with sexual issues despite this communication and quality time, you can consult with a doctor about an affordable medication to treat ED or methods for coping with performance anxiety. Don’t let your intimate struggles disrupt your love life; address your issues and make more room for intimacy in your daily life.
Companies like Hims and Hers are working to de-stigmatize different intimacy issues for both men and women (whether they’re ED, performance anxiety, or something else) by sharing information about their prevalence and treatments. You can check out more of their work and learn about any other, specific issues you might be facing on the Hims Instagram and Hers Instagram.
Making time for fitness
Physical health is a critical part of your well-being, especially since the maintenance of it can consequently impact your mental health, and ultimately your relationship. In the midst of busy work and social lives, a lot of couples put off regular exercise, or neglect to carry out a healthy diet. This is both likely and understandable between dinner dates at new, exciting restaurants, vacations, and balancing your relationship with the rest of your life. However, couples can easily find ways to incorporate healthy practices into their daily routines.
Since it can be extremely difficult to find time to either spend time with your partner or manage a healthy diet and fitness routine, why not do both at the same time? Spend some quality time with your partner by taking long walks, going on hikes, or participating in a fitness program together in order to boost your health and further your relationship at the same time. If a healthy diet is hard for you both to implement with your busy schedules, try planning and prepping your meals for the week. Not only will you have healthier, more appropriate portions of food, you’ll most likely save money, too. For your own sake, and for the good of your relationship, use your fitness and health goals as a means to be close to your partner.
Good communication
Couples that communicate often have healthier relationships, even in the bedroom. When couples fail to talk with their partner and express their feelings, it can create a great deal of tension between significant others. This stress and pressure can begin to take a toll on couples, leading to arguments and resentment that can be detrimental to their relationship. This is why it’s so crucial to be open and honest with your partner about your concerns so that they can be dealt with before they become harmful to your love life.
Make an effort to get comfortable expressing your feelings if you’re typically hesitant to do so. When you begin to have issues or doubts that directly affect your relationship, you should express that to your partner as soon as possible. Reversely, check in frequently with your partner to see where they’re at with their feelings, and how you can make them more comfortable as well. Anything from your insecurities to your personality to your love languages can influence the way you interact with one another and the happiness in your relationship. So, find out the best way to communicate with your partner and you’ll have fewer bumps in the road and more enjoyable moments.
Unconditional trust
Similar to communication, couples who have unconditional trust in one another typically enjoy a happier relationship. For those who don’t have the ability to spend every waking moment together, there can be a significant amount of time that you spend apart from each other‒ especially for those participating in long-distance relationships. It’s critical that you have the utmost faith in your partner when you can’t be in the same place at the same time.
While full trust can take a long time to achieve, sometimes even years, there are little things you can do in order to build trust with your partner. The biggest way is to reach a genuinely trusting relationship is to be open and honest, especially when it comes to owning up to your mistakes. When trust is broken, it’s best to acknowledge it upfront and hold yourself accountable for those wrongdoings. You can also build trust by prioritizing your partner’s feelings over your own. When you outline your priorities by putting the ones you love on top, you won’t be tempted to break your partner’s trust in the first place. Finally, show your dedication to your partner through small acts of kindness, voicing your appreciation, or surprising them with fun gifts. The more you show your love, the stronger the trust between you, which will make your relationship happier and healthier.
Every relationship is unique, so if your relationship looks a little different than someone else’s, there’s no reason to worry. A healthy relationship could look completely different in the eyes of other couples. Regardless, strive toward more trust, and challenge yourself and your partner to acquire a healthier, happier overall lifestyle.
