9 Habits of Couples in Love That You Must Follow

Falling in love is fairly easy; people do it all the time.  But staying in love? That’s not so simple (just look at the divorce rate!)  Is there a secret formula for couples who are madly in love? Let’s look at some of the habits of those long-term, loving couples, to see what might be holding them happily together.

1. Communication

The number one tip that couples cite to stay in love is good communication.  Lack of communication leads to a breakdown in intimacy, and without intimacy, you may as well be roommates.  So make it a point to not only talk and listen to each other but do so in a dedicated way.
Put down your phones, turn off the computer, turn towards each other and look at each other as you speak.  Show your partner you have heard him by repeating back to him something he’s just said, or simply nodding as you listen.  
The old adage “never go to bed angry” is also a good one to live by.  Resolve issues as they arise. Pretending they are no big deal? That’s a recipe for resentment and anger, another cause of couple breakdowns.  

2. Say I love you

Couples in love express their love for each other.  A lot. Many couples start their day with an I love you and end their day in the same way.  Don’t be afraid to overuse this phrase…it’s impossible to do so! Sure, love is also in your acts.  But everyone loves to hear they are loved, so say it often.

3. Have your special rituals together

Couples who are crazy in love with each other have their own special rituals they follow it day after day.  It may be drinking their coffee in their “special mug” they made for this very purpose at a pottery workshop or crafting outrageous costumes for their yearly pilgrimage to Burning Man.  
Whatever it is, it is unique to them and draws them together for some couple time each day.

4. Don’t tease if you know it hurts them

Some people think that joking about something their partner is sensitive to is no big deal.  One husband, who is bald, tells us he hates when his wife teases him about his lack of hair.
“She thinks she’s being funny when she calls me a cue ball, but it really hurts my feelings”, he says.  
So be mindful of these little things.  

Couples who are madly in love treat each other with kindness, not sarcasm.

5. Forgive

Long-term couples who remain in love get there because they practice large doses of forgiveness.  They know that things will not always go smoothly in life and that sometimes feelings will be hurt, unintentionally or not.  That’s where forgiveness comes into play. These couples do not hold on to grudges or bring up past ills when fighting.

When needed, they forgive and move on, truly absolving their partner of whatever wrong they did, and, at the same time, renewing their love for each other.

6. Let go of the need to be right

Another secret to staying in love is knowing how to compromise.  If one of the spouses has a constant need to be right, if that is their goal when working out an issue with their spouse, the relationship risks breaking.  
Compromise is not only for nation-building.  Good solid couples learn the art of re-examining conflicts and seeking a resolution that is acceptable to both people.  Learn the art of compromise and you’ll be on your way to a lasting, loving relationship.

7. Don’t lose yourself in your couple

You know what all couples who stay in love have in common?  Each party continues to have their own hobbies, interests, and passions.  
Sure, they also did fun things together.  But neither partner gave up who they were when they entered into the relationship.  
They didn’t forsake their own true self in order to be with the other.  To the contrary, the pursuit of their individual interests made the relationship richer.

8. At the same time, prioritize your partner

To keep love vibrant, couples never forget that their partner is a priority in their life.  This means traveling to see each other if, for professional reasons, one of you is temporarily transferred.  Or keeping dinner warm if work delays them one night.
It means making sure they know you see, hear and love them, and never take them for granted.

9. Be each other’s support system

This means cheering your partner on and believing in them as they aspire to hit their goals.  There is no sabotage, no room for jealousy or spirit of competition in a loving long-term relationship.  You are there for each other for better or for worse.
When your partner is working long hours in order to get that promotion to manager, you are right there with her, making sure things at home are running smoothly so they can concentrate on this important life-goal.  
And when they finally get made the manager, you are the first to celebrate them!  
If you neglect to support your partner in their dreams, be aware that someone else is happy to do so