Top 10 Tips for a Happy Relationship!

Senior Circle recently held an online event called “It’s About Love” to learn the love stories of several senior women with remarkable love stories to tell. They shared stories of perseverance, humor, and dedication to their spouses, no matter what. When asked if they have any words of advice for young couples starting out, these are some of the tips they had to offer.

1. Take one day at a time.

Whatever comes up, just go with it. Stick with it. Don’t give up. There is a great deal to be said for persistence and determination. Sometimes you have to just be willing to make a commitment and realize that the greatest journey starts with a single step.... every day.

2. You have to have a sense of humor.

Laughter is a great diffuser. When you feel yourself getting caught up in day-to-day stress or feel the tension mounting, try to remember not to take yourselves too seriously. Finding humor and being able to laugh along the way is so important.

3. Communicate.

Feelings need to be expressed. Let your loved one know how you feel and be able to talk things out in a productive, loving way. Don’t assume that your thoughts and feelings are known. Express yourselves and be willing to listen and respond in kind.

4. Don’t go to bed angry.

This is a timeless expression but still holds true today. Even if you’ve had a disagreement, a tough day at work, conflicts over parenting or finances... no matter what, try your best to overcome your differences by the time you go to bed for the night. Many times, by morning, the magnitude of those issues will be lessened.

5. Have date nights, especially if you have kids.

Parenting can take its toll on a marriage. Fatigue and stress can sometimes make us forget to take time out for romance. Find a sitter to take care of the kids for a night and remember to reconnect and rekindle the flame that brought you together. Quality time is important.

6. Allow each other to do their own thing.

Respect for each other is paramount to establishing a healthy relationship. If one partner is demanding too much time from the other, or not allowing them to have time for their hobbies, interests, or perhaps friends, this can breed resentment. Let your spouse have their independence. Try not to be too dependent on someone else.

7. Respect differences.

You do not need to be a carbon copy of your significant other. The differences between you can make your relationship more interesting. Learn from each other. Perhaps even try each other’s hobbies. This can be a learning experience and lead you to discover experiences you would not have otherwise had. Enjoy it!

8. Accept each other for who you are.

Don’t try to change your significant other. There is a reason why you were drawn to them. Embrace who they are and approach the relationship with an open mind. Acceptance does not mean you should have to tolerate things that are hurtful to you but realize that love sometimes means making some compromises.

9. Find common ground.

Core values are important. They are the principles for how you will live your life and set the course for the direction of your relationship. Seek commonalities and build on them. Make plans together. Common goals can be exciting and unifying.

10. Love is a two-way street. There should be give and take on both sides.

Give a little. Take a little. Like the song says, we need to be mindful not only of our own needs but the needs of our significant other. Asking questions about their needs, listening, and then taking action to respond to fill their needs will make them feel important and valued in the relationship.

Love is truly an art. Each couple will have a different journey and a unique set of challenges. But when we manage to navigate its course and learn lessons from it, what an amazing and beautiful thing Love can be!

Beth Douglas is an experienced marketing communications professional who is passionate about promoting quality, compassionate senior healthcare. She is a contributing writer and independent contractor with Douglas Design & Marketing.