Whether you’ve been married to your significant other for more years than you can count or you’ve just started dating a new person, all healthy relationships are based on love, mutual respect, communication, effort, and commitment. You surely felt a sudden and effortless spark when you first met and started to get to know one another, but it takes a lot of work to maintain it over the long run.

It’s true that every relationship is different and there’s not a single fix for every one of them, but you can always improve your bond and intimacy with a few simple tips. If you’re curious to know everything about this topic, you’re lucky, because there are 6 tips to improve your relationship right NOW!

1. Monthly date night 

There are people who suggest that you should go on a date night every single week so that you can keep things fun and exciting. However, it might not be realistic to do this EVERY single week, so it might be better to set a clear goal that is more down-to-earth.

Between your tight schedules and your everyday responsibilities, a date night per month might be just great for you two to connect and spend quality time together. You get the chance to talk, make plans, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

…To make things even more special, choose something you don’t usually do. If you spend a lot of time watching Netflix, for instance, pick something different, such as a date at the movies or at your favorite restaurant!  

2. Don’t neglect the small things 

We’re sure that you know that small details are the ones that matter the most! Listening to what your partner has to say and actually paying attention to their words is a simple way to show that you care about them. If they tell you that they want to read a book, but they couldn’t get it, for instance, you might surprise them with it on their birthday or whatever occasion you choose.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be something over the top and eccentric. Just something meaningful and thoughtful, so that you can make them feel appreciated and loved. Trust me, a little goes a long way!

3. Be friends first

…Couples who laugh together stay together, right? 

We don’t know if you’ve noticed this or not, but people who are friends before being partners are actually happier and have a stronger relationship compared to those who don’t treat their friendship as a priority. Of course, romantic gestures, such as holding hands or kissing, and household activities, such as dividing chores, are important, but there is something special about a friendship.

Laughing together, sharing secrets, telling each other different types of stories, and having fun with one another are just as significant. Don’t be afraid to joke with one another, laugh, and simply be each other’s best friend!

4. Don’t forget to say “Thank you”

Just because you’ve been together for a longer period of time or you simply began to know each other more, doesn’t mean that you should forget about being polite. Saying “thank you” after they do the dishes, or when they give you a compliment will show them that you appreciate them.

Besides that, a simple gesture like this one will also make you grateful for their presence in your life and you’ll remember why you care so much about them.

…How often do you say “thank you” to your partner?

5. Let go of the past 

Even though they say that everything is fine and that they are no longer upset about what other people did wrong in the past, the truth is that humans don’t forget. The moment they might get mad, they will surely remember all the things that happened in the past and a new fight might emerge.

But that shouldn’t happen in a healthy relationship. If you want to get along better with your partner and be happy, you should let go of the past and focus on the present moment and what makes both of you excited and cheerful about one another.

If you find it hard to focus on what you have NOW, it might be hard for you to move forward with a partner. Take a step back and ask yourself what the problem is and maybe even talk to your significant other about the things that you’re not okay with.

6. Learn about each other’s boundaries 

I am guilty of this one myself. When I was at the starting point of my relationship with my partner, I used to do a lot of things that drove them crazy and I didn’t stop there. I kept asking them why they were mad because I couldn’t understand it. Even though they told me that they prefer to be left alone for a while, so they can have time to properly think about the issues, it seemed that I didn’t understand.

As you can imagine, nothing extraordinarily good came out of this and we often fought due to my stubbornness. The moral of my story is that both of you should learn and understand one another’s boundaries. Does your partner want to have some quiet and alone time when they’re mad or upset? Do they mind that you don’t want to text them too often during the day? These are all questions you should have answers to so that everything between you two can work nice and smooth.

…Do you agree with these simple tips on how to improve your relationship? If you have any other useful information, share them with us in the comments down below!

…If you need any more advice on how to have the best relationship of your life, here is a great recommendation for you: 7 Things You Should NEVER Add To Your Dating Profile!