Top 10 Habits of Couples in Healthy Relationships

More than half of Black families in America are led by a single parent. One in three Black marriages end in divorce.

Arguably, when the Black family is at risk, the Black community is at risk.

Healthy relationships share several commonalities.

By adopting these successful relationship habits, perhaps you can help promote the healthy future of your own relationship; family; and community.

Here are 10 ways to strengthen your relationship:

1. Make big decisions jointly. Feeling a sense of control over one’s life and future is important. You take that away from your partner when you make meaningful decisions by yourself.

2. Make forgiveness a way of life. There are plenty of opportunities for forgiveness. The alternative is to hold a grudge, which leads to resentment (...which is super toxic!)

3. Share common interests. You must have at least a few things you can enjoy together. Common interests can help to make you closer as a couple.

4. Practice acceptance. Everyone has their flaws. Your partner undoubtedly has a few habits and tendencies that get on your nerves. It’s hard enough to change your own habits. Changing someone else’s is even more challenging. Accept your partner as is.

5. Make your partner feel loved. Each person feels loved by different words and actions. You might be working hard to make your partner feel special, but in an ineffective way. Learn what makes your partner feel loved and make a habit of doing those things.

6. Enjoy some activities separately. No one can satisfy 100% of your needs. It’s not fair to have that expectation. Enjoy time out with your coworkers and friends.

7. Share a bedtime. It’s important to hit the sheets at the same time several nights each week. Snuggling together at the end of a long day is a great way to bond, even if you go to bed with your partner and then get back up after they’ve fallen asleep.

Naps are another way to shift sleep schedules to coincide with your partner.

8. Communicate openly. No one should have to guess your feelings, opinions, or complaints. Be fair and speak up. You’ll save yourself and your partner a lot of grief.

9. Share a vision of the future. Two people working together toward a common goal are more likely to stay together than two people on different paths. Create a shared vision and work together to accomplish it.

10. Trust rather than distrust. When you don’t have a complete picture, do you lean toward trusting or distrusting your partner?

Distrust that hasn’t been earned is like poison to a relationship. Give your partner the benefit of the doubt. They’ll appreciate it.

Creating a trusting bond that can stand the test of time requires work and an effective set of habits. The little things matter, so take the time to examine your relationship habits and enhance them whenever you can.

A few minor changes can mean the difference between your relationship thriving or failing. Get started with some happy habits today.