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Laugh! Laugh as much and as often as you can! Laughter, and humor, is a great stress relief. Laughter defuses tension and can make difficult times (and we all have them) more bearable.
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Say “I Love You” more often. Research shows verbal expressions of affection actually strengthen the emotional connection between couples. And, as an added bonus, it also benefits one’s physical health.
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Perform Random Acts of Kindness for each other. Give of yourself in small yet meaningful ways. For example, bring your partner coffee in bed, watch their favorite TV show instead of yours, hold the car door open for them, etc. Small and consistent acts of kindness keep- and strengthen – the emotional connection between couples. Additionally, research shows when you give willingly and freely to your partner (and others) you benefit also because you generate a feeling of good will within yourself.
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Prioritize Your Relationship by putting your relationship before all others. Check in with each other throughout the day (technology makes this so easy to do), spend quality time together during the week – don’t just wait for the weekends to connect and have date night at least once a week – with no talk of kids and/or work & cell phones stay in the car.
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Play Together. Start a new hobby that you can do together or go to the gym together or join a book club. It doesn’t matter how you choose to play together as long as you are both having fun. This keeps your relationship functional!
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Listen More/Talk Less. Research consistently shows people want to be listened to. The best way to let your partner know they are being heard is if you talk less and listen more – without being distracted. In other words, no multi-tasking during conversations.
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Give Hugs & Kisses Just Because. Hugs, kisses, cuddles etc., re-affirm your emotional commitment to each other while also decreasing your heart rate, lowering your blood pressure and decreasing your stress levels.
Implementing these 7 simple and highly effective New Year’s Resolutions is sure to Rock Your Relationship in 2016!
Happy New Year!
Rekindle Romance and Happiness in Your Relationship,
Dr. Patty Ann
www.drpattyann.com
www.911marriagehelp.com/blog
www.twitter.com/drpattyann
www.facebook.com/drpattyann
