What habits do you have in your love relationship?
Couples can easily fall into unconscious routines of not looking, not touching and not connecting. The love relationship slowly becomes comatose or…
Couples can effortlessly open their eyes and wake up out of their slumber to create “Blink” behaviors.
Malcolm Gladwell in his book, Blink describes these behaviors as quick unconscious habits that happen in a blink of an eye.
Here are 7 happy habits of couples that can naturally be done in a blink of an eye.
1. Gaze at each other.
If you want your partner to catch your eye then practice gazing. New parents bond with their infants by gazing into each others eyes. Our soul is filled with wonder when we watch a sunset or admire a spectacular mountain view. Couples quickly create the feeling of being seen and admired when we lovingly gaze into each others eyes.
2. Give 10 second hugs and kisses.
It’s good that you give that quick 2 second hug and peck before you walk out the door. But you get more bang as a couple if you linger for just 8 more seconds on that hug and kiss. Really, don’t tell me you don’t have time for a 10 second hug and kiss. You have about 86,000 seconds in a day make it a habit as a couple every time you hug or kiss just linger for 10 seconds. It’s fun!
3. Walk side by side and hand in hand.
Guys and gals notice how you walk with your partner. Are you walking so fast that you’re way ahead or so slow that you’re miles behind? Make it a habit to walk side by side and hand in hand from the parking lot to the kids game, to the restaurant or into church.
4. Go to bed at the same time.
Many couples fall into habits of going to bed at different times. I realize we all have different sleep routines and personalities. However remember when you were first married? You couldn’t wait to jump into the bed together. The bed was a safe place to unwind and connect. It can still be a great place for snuggling, spooning, and pillow talk.
5. Eat a sit down meal with music.
One of my favorite times to connect with my wife is when we eat at the dinner table with candles, bottle of wine, and listening to music. Not TV and no TV trays sitting in the living room. There is a time and place for eating and watching TV but make it a habit to have weekly sit down dinners wit your partner. This creates more meaningful communication.
6. Share good news.
When something good happens in your day create the habit of sharing it with your spouse. We all hear bad news so much that we crave to hear the positive story, the success or big win.
7. Say “My Bad.”
When each of you make a mistake make it a habit to quickly say, “My Bad.” This is a habit I have on the tennis court when I’m playing doubles. It is my way of taking responsibility and saying I’ll do better next time. Rather than being defensive with your partner make it a effortless habit of promptly admitting your wrong. It is so refreshing when couples don’t argue but rather say, My Bad.
Coaching points:
1. What habits are you strong in and which ones do you need to improve?
2. What other blink of the eye habits do you use to make your relationship happy?
