Check out the slideshow for this article here!
1. Prioritize your relationship
List the top three priorities in your life. If your relationship isn't on the list, you need to scratch something else off and put it on there – before it’s too late. "Research shows neglecting your relationship may lead to dissatisfaction, alienation and even separation," says Dr. Regev.
Don't use being busy as an excuse to let your love life languish. Do what it takes – turn off the TV, hire a sitter, leave work at a reasonable hour – to spend time with your partner.
2. Take care of yourself
"If you don't take care of yourself, you'll have little energy for your partner – or the relationship," says Dr. Regev. Eat well to maintain your health. Work out so you feel your best. Spend time with your friends so you feel happy and connected to your social network. All these things create positive energy you'll bring home to your lover.
3. Accentuate the positive
Make sure negative interactions with your significant other are outnumbered by positive ones, says Dr. Regev, citing relationship research from the University of Washington’s Dr. John Gottman.
"Dr. Gottman found stable and happy couples were characterized by having at least a 5:1 positive-to-negative-interaction ratio," says Dr. Regev. For every one criticism or complaint, there were at least five compliments, words of appreciation or statements of affection.
4. Learn how to dial it down a few notches
You know those tense situations when you know you’re on the edge of a blowout? Try de-escalation. "Each partner should learn how to take turns de-escalating through humour, taking responsibility for actions, clarifying and apologizing,” says Dr. Regev.
Humour's also a great strategy – but only if it's self-deprecating, not at your better half's expense.
Page 1 of 2 - more great relationship tips on page 2!
