10+ Simple Habits for Marital Happiness That You Should Adopt

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Remember the feeling of falling in love? 

The butterflies, the endless conversations, the shared dreams?

What happens when life throws curveballs, and those butterflies give way to bills, career changes, and maybe even diapers? It’s tough, right?

In the thick of these inevitable challenges, many marriages get lost. 

But guess what?

It doesn’t have to be that way! You can still feel that spark and excitement. With some deceptively simple habits for marital happiness, you can bring back the joy, the laughter, and that deep connection. 

Imagine turning your “I do” into a joyful, ever-evolving adventure… Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

11 habits for a happier marriage

Marriage is a beautiful journey of growth and enduring love. Embracing certain habits can significantly strengthen this bond.

Here are 10 key habits for cultivating a joyous and resilient marital relationship. These simple yet profound habits offer a pathway to deeper happiness and a stronger union:

1. Daily appreciation

One of the simple habits for marital happiness is expressing daily appreciation. Actively acknowledging and appreciating the little things your partner does creates a positive atmosphere where each partner feels valued.

Research highlight: Research indicates expressing gratitude increases the positive perception of a partner and comfort in voicing relationship concerns, thereby aiding relationship maintenance. Four studies demonstrated this effect, showing that gratitude expressions led to higher comfort and more positive partner perception, with positive perception mediating the relationship between gratitude and comfort in voicing concerns.

Whether it’s thanking your spouse for a thoughtful gesture or admiring qualities you love about them, this daily practice of appreciation is a key ingredient to knowing how to be happier in marriage. 

It cultivates a deeper connection and mutual respect, essential components for a fulfilling relationship.

Being natural about it: Say this, “Hey, I just wanted to say I really appreciate you making dinner tonight. It was delicious, and I know you had a long day.”

2. Quality time

Spending quality time together is a fundamental aspect of understanding how to be happier in marriage. 

Being fully present and engaged with each other, whether during dinner or a casual walk, allows for reconnection and understanding. This habit is a cornerstone of marital happiness, creating space for intimacy and growth in the relationship.

Being natural about it: Say this, “Let’s take a walk after dinner and catch up. I miss our little chats.”

3. Effective communication

Effective communication is crucial for a happy marriage. It involves empathetic listening, clear expression, and respectful issue resolution. 

Openly discussing feelings and concerns and being receptive to your partner’s perspective strengthens trust and deepens understanding. This habit is a powerful tool in enhancing simple happiness and satisfaction within a marriage.

Being natural about it: Say this: “I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. Can we talk about how we can better share our responsibilities?”

4. Support each other’s goals

Supporting each other’s goals involves encouraging and celebrating your partner’s pursuits. 

This mutual support system is an integral part of a healthy, happy marriage, leading to a stronger, more supportive relationship. It demonstrates love and respect, crucial aspects of how to be happier in marriage.

Being natural about it: Say this, “I’m so proud of you for going after that promotion. I believe in you, and I’m here to help however I can.”

5. Resolve conflicts wisely

Resolving conflicts wisely is essential for maintaining a happy marriage. Approaching disagreements with patience and understanding helps maintain harmony. 

Finding constructive solutions while avoiding blame contributes significantly to the strength and happiness of the marital bond.

Being natural about it: Say this, “I understand why you’re upset. Let’s talk about how we can make things better for both of us.”

6. Shared responsibilities

Sharing responsibilities equally is a simple yet effective habit for marital happiness.

Cooperating and compromising in household chores, financial obligations, or parenting duties creates a sense of teamwork. This habit is vital in building mutual respect and a balanced partnership, which is key to learning how to be happier in marriage.

Being natural about it: Say this, “Let’s make a list of chores and divide them up so we both feel comfortable with our responsibilities.”

7. Keep the romance alive

Keeping the romance alive is essential for sustaining a fulfilling marriage. 

Continual courtship, surprise gifts, and affectionate gestures are crucial for maintaining emotional connection and excitement and are considered a significant part of daily habits of marital intimacy.

This habit not only adds to the happiness in a marriage but also reminds partners of the love that brought them together.

Being natural about it: Say this, “I got you your favorite chocolate. Just a little something to remind you how much I love you.”

8. Maintain physical affection

Physical touch is a powerful way to show love and build intimacy. Holding hands, hugging, and kissing can strengthen your bond and provide comfort. 

Simple gestures like a touch on the shoulder or a warm embrace can make a big difference in feeling connected and supported. These small acts of affection help maintain the emotional and physical closeness in your relationship.

Being natural about it: Say this, “Come here, I need a hug. I missed you today.”

9. Practice patience and understanding

In times of stress or disagreement, patience and understanding are crucial. Giving each other grace and empathy can help you get through tough times without harming your relationship.

Take a deep breath, listen to your partner’s perspective, and respond with kindness. This approach helps in resolving conflicts peacefully and strengthens your emotional bond over time.

Being natural about it: Say this, “I know we’re both tired and stressed. Let’s take a moment and talk about this calmly.”

10. Celebrate together

Celebrate milestones, achievements, and even small victories together. Sharing joy and accomplishments strengthens your emotional connection and creates cherished memories. 

Whether it’s a promotion at work, an anniversary, or simply completing a project, taking the time to celebrate these moments together enhances your sense of partnership and adds fun and excitement to your marriage.

Being natural about it: Say this, “You finished that project! Let’s go out for dinner to celebrate your hard work.”

11. Keep a sense of humor

Laughter is essential in a marriage. Finding humor in everyday situations and being able to laugh together helps relieve stress and keeps the relationship lively and enjoyable. 

Don’t be afraid to be playful and share jokes. A good sense of humor can help you overcome difficult times with a lighter heart and bring you closer as a couple.

Being natural about it: Say this, “Remember that time we got lost on our road trip? We should write a book about our adventures!”

5 meaningful activities for a Happier Marriage

While filled with love and companionship, marriage also requires continuous effort and nurturing to maintain vitality. Engaging in meaningful activities together is a cornerstone of building and sustaining happiness in marriage.

Such activities not only bring joy and deepen the bond between partners but also play a significant role in establishing simple habits for marital happiness. Let’s explore these activities in detail:

1. Engage in shared hobbies to deepen your connection

Participating in hobbies that both partners enjoy can significantly deepen the emotional connection in a marriage. Whether it’s gardening, cooking, painting, or hiking, shared hobbies provide a common ground for joy and creativity. 

These activities allow couples to spend quality time together, away from the stresses of daily life. They also offer opportunities for learning and growing together, as each partner may bring different skills and perspectives to the hobby. 

Shared hobbies can become a cherished part of a couple’s routine, creating a sense of unity and shared accomplishment.

2. Volunteer together to encourage empathy and teamwork

Volunteering as a couple can be a powerful way to strengthen your relationship. 

Engaging in altruistic activities, like helping at a local shelter, participating in community clean-ups, or assisting in community events, not only contributes positively to society but also helps build empathy and teamwork in your marriage. 

These experiences can shift perspectives, allowing partners to see each other in a new light and to appreciate each other’s compassion and kindness. 

Volunteering together creates shared experiences that are both meaningful and fulfilling, enhancing the emotional bond between partners.

3. Travel together to explore and experience new cultures

Traveling together can be an exhilarating way for couples to break out of their routines and explore the world hand in hand. 

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an international adventure, travel allows couples to create lasting memories, experience new cultures, and overcome challenges together.

Planning trips together can also be a bonding experience, as it involves communication and compromise. Travel exposes couples to new situations and environments, which can spark new conversations and deepen their understanding of each other’s preferences and interests.

4. Attend workshops or classes to learn and grow together

Participating in seminars or classes together can be a great way for couples to learn new skills and grow together. 

Whether it’s a cooking class, a dance lesson, or a personal development seminar, these activities offer opportunities for couples to challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zones, and support each other’s learning journeys.

Learning together can enhance a sense of teamwork and can bring a new dimension to the relationship. It also shows commitment to each other’s personal growth and to the growth of the relationship.

5. Regularly plan date nights to keep the romance alive

Setting aside time for regular date nights is crucial in keeping the romance and excitement alive in a marriage. Date nights offer a chance for couples to reconnect, communicate, and rekindle their romantic spark. 

These occasions don’t always have to be extravagant; even simple activities like a candlelit dinner at home, a movie night, or a sunset walk can be deeply meaningful. 

The key is to focus on each other, away from the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life. 

Regular date nights remind us of the early stages of the relationship and reinforce the importance of nurturing the romantic aspect of the marriage.

Through these enriching activities, couples can build a foundation of happiness and fulfillment, strengthening their bond and enhancing their journey together in marriage.

How to face changes and challenges in a marriage: 7 ways

Marriage is filled with both joyous moments and unexpected challenges. 

But how do happy marriages stay happy? 

Dealing with these changes together can strengthen your bond and deepen your connection.

Here are 7 practical ways to face changes and challenges in your marriage, ensuring that you and your partner grow together through all of life’s ups and downs.

1. Open and honest communication

Open and honest communication is one of the simple habits for marital happiness, acting as the cornerstone of facing changes and challenges in a marriage. 

Regular check-ins, during which both partners openly discuss their feelings, fears, and expectations, create a safe space and ensure that issues are addressed before they escalate. 

This approach is vital in maintaining transparency and understanding in the relationship, a key aspect of simple habits for marital happiness.

Be mindful of:

• Assumptions about what your partner might be thinking or feeling.
• Always check in and clarify to ensure mutual understanding.

2. Embrace flexibility and adaptability

Flexibility and adaptability are crucial as circumstances in life change, making them significant, simple habits for marital happiness. 

Couples should adjust roles, routines, or expectations as needed, which might involve altering career paths, daily routines, or personal habits to suit the evolving dynamics of the marriage better.

This flexibility prevents resentment and helps both partners feel supported and understood, especially during times of transition, contributing to a happy marital life over time.

Be mindful of:

• Letting fear or stubbornness resist change.
• Flexibility can lead to growth and new opportunities.

3. United problem-solving approach

A united problem-solving approach is vital in maintaining marital happiness. Tackling challenges as a team rather than as individuals reinforces the bond between partners.

Coming together to brainstorm solutions and reach a consensus not only solves problems more effectively but also strengthens the relationship, making it a key practice among simple habits for marital happiness.

Be mindful of:

• Ignoring your partner’s emotional needs.
• Focusing too much on your own needs. Balance is important.

4. Cultivate empathy and understanding

Empathy and understanding are fundamental for marital happiness. Actively listening to each other, trying to understand the partner’s perspective, and showing genuine care are essential. 

Empathy bridges gaps in understanding and brings partners closer, especially during tough times, by showing that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences.

Be mindful of:

• Having unrealistic demands on yourself or your partner.
• Being gentle and patient with each other.

5. Maintain a positive outlook

Maintaining a positive outlook during tough times is essential for marital happiness. Focusing on the strengths of the relationship and the love shared, rather than dwelling on difficulties, is crucial. 

Practicing gratitude and looking for silver linings can significantly lessen the stress of challenges and foster resilience in the relationship.

Be mindful of:

• Allowing busy schedules and stress to take away from your quality time together.
• Prioritize your relationship.

Watch this TEDx Talk where couples counselor Susan L. Adler shares 3 steps to healthier relationships:

6. Seek support when needed

Recognizing when to seek external support is important for maintaining marital happiness.

Consulting with a marriage counselor, joining support groups, or talking to trusted friends or family can offer new perspectives and strategies for coping.

It’s a sign of strength to seek help and can be a key factor in successfully managing marital challenges.

Be mindful of:

• The stigma or reluctance to seek help.
• Professional support can offer valuable perspectives and strategies.

7. Celebrate victories together

Celebrating successes in dealing with challenges is crucial for marital happiness. Couples should celebrate their victories, no matter how small, and give credit to each other for their role in overcoming challenges.

Celebrating together reinforces the bond and provides motivation and a sense of achievement, reminding couples that together, they can overcome obstacles and grow stronger.

Be mindful of:

• Overlooking the small wins by focusing only on the big picture.
• Every step forward is important.

Happiness starts with you!

Creating a happy marriage is about adopting simple, everyday habits that keep your connection strong and joyful. 

Show daily appreciation, spend quality time together, communicate openly, support each other’s goals, handle conflicts wisely, share responsibilities, keep the romance alive, stay physically affectionate, be patient, celebrate the good times, and always keep your sense of humor. 

These straightforward practices help you deal with changes and challenges, making your marriage stronger and happier.