Studies Have Shown These Common Traits Among Women With Successful Long Term Happy Relationships

Laugh!

Laughing is not only proven to be healthy and a part of healing, but it’s also the kind of positive interaction that makes your significant other feel like you like them. Sincere laughter is what we’re talking about here, not faking it for every dumb joke they make, and it’s best when you can laugh together. What if you love someone and they just aren’t funny? We’re not telling you to laugh at them, laugh with them. Find opportunities to share joy!

Optimism

You’re allowed your sad moments, but positive people attract others. If your problems are getting the best of you, become part of the solution. Positive thinking and positive thinkers lift up their partners and give a sense of hope.

Be Adventurous

This life is the life you have. Don’t waste it on a sofa! Get out and show some spontaneity! Your relationship will feel fresh and renewed when you start experiencing new and exciting things together. Science shows that adrenaline inducing activities create stronger bonds among couples, so use this to your advantage.

Compassion

We recognize compassion in others as proof of kindness. Showing your compassionate side will show your significant other than you’re capable of caring about them and build trust. Volunteering for a good cause is an easy way to do this!

Free Thinking

Becoming your own person and setting your own goals is not only good for you and your personal mental health, but it’s attractive to the right people. A healthy relationship is one that both partners contribute to, not one overbearing the other. Thinking for yourself and reaching your own goals shows that you can be a healthy part of a solid relationship built out of desire, not need. Yes, some people are looking for a weaker partner and free thinkers are a turn-off for them. But ask yourself if that’s who you want to attract in your life?

Good Listeners

Everyone likes to be heard, and being heard goes a long way to making us feel cared about. Your partner is no exception. Taking the time to pay attention to your partner’s news, both good & bad, while offering words of encouragement, will help solidify your position as the go-to person in their life.

Making attraction last between partners is an obtainable goal. Remember why you were interested in your partner to begin with, and use that for your motivation to bring your best self to the relationship. If you’re currently not in a relationship, practicing these characteristics will help you to attract the kind of person you want to be with.

The Decatur Arts Festival is this weekend!

It’s the perfect weather and opportunity to reconnect with a loved one over an art walk, or even rediscover the joy of exploring on your own at your own pace! Dinner and a movie can happen any day of the year, it’s a rare chance to get out and enjoy 80 degree temps with so much to see and do in a short distance. Here’s a link to a handy map that should work on your smart phone to help you navigate all the Art Walk has to offer!

Decatur Arts Festival Art Walk

While not an exhaustive list of all reasons, these are the top reasons given for failed marriages in North American today.

1) Infidelity (over 20% of divorces)
2) Irreconcilable Differences (growing apart)
3) Drugs / Alcohol
4) Difficult Personalities
5) Communication Failure
6) Abuse
7) Neglect
8) Work
9) Money
10) Health Related

It’s interesting to note how many of these can be avoided with proper relationship maintenance. Too often we wait until our relationships are so far gone, the energy and effort required for repair seem to outweigh the rewards of salvaging what we once held so dear. Money problems are thought to be a common catalyst, and it makes our list, but “money problems” actually account for under 3% of divorces. It’s possible that even this “deal breaker” could be avoided with the help of a good marriage counselor as it often is an extension of other problems that are addressable, such as communication, respect, and cooperation.

What types of problems should be reason for divorce? It’s difficult to use a blanket statement, but there’s little chance you should consider staying in a relationship with someone that’s been physically abusive to you. Statistically speaking, they’re very likely to repeat this action which is an unconditional declaration of their lack of love or regard for you and your wellbeing. If you can’t think clearly enough on this for yourself, by all means please seek help as soon as possible. Family, clergy, your local shelter, your doctor, or just about anyone can be a resource for escaping this highly dangerous situation.

Much like changing the oil in your car, a good relationship tune-up can help keep what you cherish today, valuable for the long haul. Want to put the spark back in your relationship? Want to feel the desire and friendship you’ve been missing? Don’t wait for major repairs to sneak up on you. Don’t wait for reasons for divorce to outweigh your reasons to stay together. Contact us for a relationship tune-up!