Small Things Matter: How Couples Can Build Trust, Friendship, and Commitment in Their Relationship
Small Things Matter: How Couples Can Build Trust, Friendship, and Commitment in Their Relationship
Have you ever heard the phrase, "it's the little things that count"? Well, it turns out that this old adage is especially true when it comes to relationships. According to the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to couples therapy, couples who do small things often for each other build trust, friendship, and commitment in their relationship. In other words, it's the small things that can make a big difference in a relationship.
So, what are these small things, you may ask? Let's take a look at some examples:
Show interest in your partner's life.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many couples forget to show interest in each other's lives. Take the time to ask your partner about their day, their interests, and their dreams. Listen to them without judgment and show genuine interest. This can go a long way in building trust and friendship in your relationship.
2. Offer affection and physical touch.
Humans crave physical touch and affection, so it's important to make time for cuddling, hugging, and kissing your partner. This doesn't have to be a grand gesture; even a small touch on the arm or a quick peck on the lips can show your partner that you care.
3. Practice active listening.
Active listening is a powerful tool for building trust and commitment in a relationship. When your partner is talking to you, give them your full attention. Don't interrupt or try to offer solutions; simply listen and ask questions to show that you care about what they have to say.
4. Surprise your partner with small gestures.
Surprise your partner with small gestures that show you're thinking of them. It could be something as simple as leaving a love note in their lunch or surprising them with their favorite snack. These small gestures can make your partner feel loved and appreciated.
Now, you may be thinking, "But I already do these things, and my relationship still isn't perfect." Well, that's because building a strong relationship takes time and effort. The key is to consistently do these small things often, not just once in a while.
So, how can you make these small things a part of your daily routine? Here are some tips:
Schedule time for each other.
Life can get busy, and it's easy to forget to make time for your partner. Schedule time for each other, whether it's a weekly date night or a daily check-in. This will help you stay connected and committed to each other.
2. Make it a game.
Who said building a strong relationship has to be boring? Make it a game by challenging each other to do small things often. For example, see who can offer the most compliments in a day or who can come up with the most creative love note.
3. Don't forget to have fun.
Building a strong relationship doesn't have to be all serious business. Remember to have fun with your partner by trying new activities or hobbies together. This will help you build a strong friendship in addition to your romantic relationship.
In conclusion, small things really do matter when it comes to building trust, friendship, and commitment in a relationship. By consistently doing these small things often, you can strengthen your relationship and build a strong foundation for a lifetime of love and happiness.
Further Reading:
https://www.gottman.com/blog/small-things-often-ingredients-happy-relationship/
