4 Habits of healthy couples

Good communication

Good relationships thrive on the ability and willingness of both parties to communicate. If something is negatively affecting your twosome, you need to be able to hash it out, because the longer you leave issues to fester, the harder it will be to deal with them. Talk to you partner about everything – the good and the bad – and your relationship will improve. Take a look at these tips for better communication:

• Don't assume you know what your partner is thinking or feeling. When it doubt, ask.
• Don't discount technology. If you didn't get a chance to say goodbye to your guy before he left for work, text him or send him a cute email.
• Make time to talk. Even if it's only for a few minutes at the end of a busy day really make an effort to catch up - minus any distractions (TV, email, phone), to make sure you stay on top of each other's lives.
• Get a change of scenery. Even just going for a 20 minute walk is a great way to get conversation flowing and make communicating any issues either of you have with the relationship much easier.

Common interests

You don't have to like everything your man likes, but happy couples often have a few common interests, hobbies or activities. Whether it's a mutual love of golf, hiking, camping or travelling, having something you both enjoy and get excited about is a great way to improve your relationship.

No common interests? Create some. Spend an afternoon discussing things you'd both like to try and then make time to make it happen. Whether it's scuba diving, yoga, rock climbing or bird watching there's bound to be something you've both been meaning to try. And ideally you find something you both love and want to continue doing - together.

Intimacy

Happy couples are often having good sex, but they also don't shy away from other types of intimacy. Hand holding, cuddling, massages or even kissing that doesn't have to lead to the bedroom are all ways to share your love and show your partner you care about them.

Looking for other ways to show you care? 7 small signs of big love >>

A focus on the positive

Another healthy habit happy couples have is focusing on the positive. Yes, you need to be open and honest about what's bothering you, but in order to really move forward as a couple, you have to pay close attention to what you love about your guy, rather than what could use a tune-up. Don't focus on his beer belly when you could be focusing on his great smile and ability to make you laugh.

Take a few minutes to each write down everything you love about each other (you write down what you love about him and vice versa). Then exchange lists. Chances are seeing your guys list of what he loves about you will make focusing on the positive a whole lot easier.

Love your guy? Make sure he knows it! Find out how to celebrate your relationship >>

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