5 Habits of the Happiest Couples

Take note for a more blissful union.
Take note for a more blissful union.

When you come across a loving husband and wife, do you ever wonder what's their secret? We know the feeling. But as most contented partners know, being in a happy relationship isn't the luck of the draw. It takes work -- and a lot of collaboration. Blissful couples also share a lot of the same patterns. And luckily, we've uncovered some of their easy-to-adopt tricks. You may want to mark them down.

Related: 12 Easy Ways to Make Your Partner's Day

1. Communicate a lot
Every conversation doesn't have to be a deep one. Sometimes it's nice to just check in to see how your other half is doing. Emails and texts also apply. Feeling flirty? Send a sexy emoticon (yes, they do exist) for a little fun.

2. Make time for outside friends
When you let other people into your world, you don't put so much pressure on your spouse to be Mr. Everything.

Related: 8 Things Happily Married Couples Do Every Day

3. Show gratitude
It's cliché; but it really works. And it's easy to do. Leave a nice note on the refrigerator door or give each other a quick back rub. I wrote a poem recently expressing just how thankful I am for all the things my husband does for our family. And when I saw it on paper, I was far less cranky.

4. Explore outside interests
Happy couples don't spend every waking moment together. They engage in solo activities (painting, volunteering, dancing, etc.) they love in order to create a healthy space in the relationship. Added bonus: Pursuing your passions helps increase your libido.

Related: The Ultimate Happy-Marriage Checklist

5. Enjoy the simple pleasures
Cooking together in the kitchen or having lunch with our kids in the park is just as gratifying as a dinner at a fancy restaurant. It's all about appreciating every single moment.

-Andrea Frazer

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