Relationships thrive when both partners feel fulfilled individually and together. Every day, you and your partner make the choice to be with each other, and maintaining a strong connection requires effort from both sides.

If you want to keep choosing each other, take intentional steps to nurture your relationship.

Here are some ways to do that:

• Understand each other’s love language. There are five love languages, and while we all appreciate aspects of each, everyone has one or two that resonate most. Take the time to learn yours and your partner’s to strengthen your bond.

Based on Gary Chapman, PhD, The5 Love Languages

We all have bad days and moods—accept and acknowledge that. If you disagree with your partner, don’t turn it into an excessive argument. Take space if needed, then let it go. Remember, they are your partner, not your opponent.

• Maintain your personal identity. A healthy relationship requires balance between shared experiences that nurture your bond and personal time that fulfills you as an individual (e.g., spending time with friends).

• Keep phones out of the bedroom. When it’s time for bed, leave technology behind. Your bed should be for couple time, intimacy, and rest—not scrolling. Go to bed together, just the two of you.

• Compromise. Sometimes, you’ll need to do things you don’t feel like doing. Balance both partners’ wants and needs—it’s not all about you (or them).

• Try new things together. Break routines by sharing fresh experiences—join a gym class, visit a new café, go ice skating, take a weekend trip, or even build a puzzle. Play and adventure together to create positive memories.

• Communicate openly. No one is a mind reader. Maintain a friendship and honest conversations, including sharing your feelings as you recognize them. And never use silent treatment—unless it’s just to bite your tongue!

• Fight fair. No name-calling, swearing, bringing up past disputes, or threatening to leave (unless you truly mean it). Words have impact—be mindful of how you use them.

• Prioritise intimacy. Passion and physical connection set a romantic relationship apart from a friendship. Regular intimacy strengthens both emotional and physical bonds.

• Show appreciation and love. Never take your partner for granted. Acknowledge what you love about them, say thank you, share responsibilities, and support each other. And no matter the mood or rush, always kiss hello and goodbye.

Prioritise your mental well-being. You have your own interests, needs, and goals—make sure you’re fulfilling them. Take a fitness class, start a new course, spend time with friends, keep up with your self-care routines, cook meals you enjoy—whatever brings you joy, make space for it. True happiness and confidence come from within, and nurturing yourself is essential for a fulfilling life and relationship.

“The grass is greener where you water it.” -Neil Barringham

Love is love, this article may use female/male pronouns however the advice applies to all sexual orientations and gender identities.

#selfacceptance #love #relationshipadvice #relationshiphelp