1. Never go to bed angry. This age-old piece of advice is one you’ve definitely heard your grandparents say, and with good reason. “When resolved fights or arguments before bedtime, hurt feelings often didn’t linger, and one or both partners eventually apologized,” Rappaport claims. Why not make this a “rule” in your relationship? If you’re fighting, either apologize before bed so neither of you stays awake angry all night. Alternatively, hit pause and vow to hear each other out tomorrow.
2. Compromise. Whenever possible. This is not to argue that today’s couples do not compromise. But if you’ve been feeling stubborn recently, remember that compromise is what keeps marriages intact. “Relationships should always involve some give and take,” Rappaport argues. You do not have to abandon your dreams, but both of you should be willing to bend slightly and support one other’s goals.
3. Remember, Marriage Is A Contract. The phrase “contract” is about the least romantic thing ever. However, remembering what you signed up for — being together in sickness and health — can mean making it through the long haul. “Marriage vows should never be taken lightly,” Rappaport explains. “In a relationship, your word needs to be kept and you need to honor your commitment.”
4. Eating dinner together as often as possible. While it may not appear to be a huge deal, there are numerous health benefits of reverting to 1950s dining habits. Family meals provided an opportunity to catch up, exchange news, and make plans for the coming weeks. And that might be all you need to stay together. According to relationship specialist Kryss Shane, BS, MS, MSW, LSW, LMSW, “This can continue a bond between you and keep your relationship tuned in to each other.”
5. Keeping the relationship (at least semi-private).While social media can be beneficial, especially if you want to share wedding images, disclosing too much information can harm your relationship. Christie Tcharkhoutian, a registered marital and family therapist, says, “We could learn from the old ways of not displaying every aspect of our relationship on social media.” She explains that doing so safeguards the sacred link of marriage by preventing it from becoming something that only occurs online.