8 behaviors 95% of successful couples have in common, according to a relationship expert

The secret sauce to a successful relationship isn’t always obvious.

As the founder of Love Connection and a seasoned relationship expert, I’ve spent years observing and analyzing the dynamics of thriving couples.

Here’s what I’ve concluded: Success doesn’t necessarily come from grand gestures or fairytale romance. Instead, it’s about the everyday behaviors that make a real difference.

In this piece, I will share eight common behaviors that 95% of successful couples consistently exhibit, according to my observations and experience.

Read on to discover these simple yet powerful habits that could transform your love life.

1) Open communication

The foundation of any successful relationship lies in the ability to communicate effectively.

In my years as a relationship expert, I’ve noticed that 95% of successful couples have mastered the art of open communication.

It’s not about grand declarations of love or dramatic confrontations but rather the small, everyday conversations that truly matter.

These couples aren’t afraid to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns with each other, no matter how trivial they may seem.

And it’s not just about talking – it’s about listening too. They give each other the space and respect to voice their opinions without interruption or dismissal.

This open line of communication fosters a sense of trust and understanding, allowing these couples to navigate through life’s ups and downs together.

So remember, it’s not about what you say, but how you say it. Open, honest, and respectful communication is key to a thriving relationship. Let’s keep the conversation going, shall we?

2) Regular appreciation

Another common behavior I’ve seen in successful couples is the habit of showing regular appreciation for each other. It’s amazing how a simple “Thank you” or “I appreciate you” can transform a relationship.

In my own relationship, I’ve found that taking a moment each day to express gratitude for my partner’s actions or qualities helps us stay connected and appreciative of each other. It reminds us why we fell in love in the first place.

This reminded me of a quote by the great writer, Oscar Wilde, who once said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

In a successful relationship, it’s these small acts of kindness and appreciation that truly add up. So don’t forget to acknowledge your partner’s efforts and express your gratitude – it could make all the difference.

3) Healthy boundaries

Successful couples understand the importance of setting and respecting boundaries. These boundaries are not about limiting each other but rather about ensuring respect and understanding in the relationship.

In my own journey, understanding the balance between togetherness and individuality was a game-changer.

It made me realize that a healthy relationship is not about losing oneself in the other, but growing together while maintaining individual identities.

This concept of balance and boundaries is something I delve deeper into in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, I share practical strategies to help you build a relationship that respects individuality while fostering closeness.

Remember, to love someone else fully, you must first love yourself. And part of that self-love is setting boundaries that allow you to maintain your sense of self while being part of a couple.

4) Embracing conflicts

Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. Successful couples do not avoid conflicts; instead, they embrace them.

It’s a common misconception that a successful relationship is one without disagreements. But in reality, conflicts can be healthy and necessary for growth.

In my observations, successful couples use conflicts as opportunities to understand each other better. They approach disagreements not as battles to be won but as conversations to be had.

Instead of sweeping issues under the rug, they confront them head-on, discuss their differences, and find common ground or compromises.

So the next time you find yourself in a disagreement with your partner, remember: it’s not about who’s right or wrong but about understanding each other better. Embrace the conflict and see where it leads you.

5) Shared dreams and goals

Successful couples don’t just share a life together; they also share dreams and goals for the future.

In my own relationship, I’ve found that planning for the future – whether that’s a holiday, buying a home, or even just planning a special meal – brings us closer.

It gives us something to look forward to and work towards together.

These shared dreams and goals act as a glue that bonds successful couples together. They serve as a shared vision that drives their actions and decisions.

So, take some time to discuss your individual dreams and see where they align. Having shared goals can foster unity, provide direction, and give you both something exciting to work towards.

6) Acceptance of imperfections

Let’s get real here. No one is perfect and expecting your partner to be can set your relationship up for failure.

Successful couples understand and accept this. They acknowledge that their partners, like everyone else, have flaws and make mistakes.

Accepting your partner’s imperfections doesn’t mean you’re settling for less. It means you’re acknowledging the reality of human nature and choosing to love unconditionally, flaws and all.

This raw, honest acceptance is a powerful cornerstone in any successful relationship.

7) Quality time together

One thing that successful couples prioritize is spending quality time together. It’s not about the quantity but the quality of the time spent.

In my own relationship, I’ve found that creating regular, intentional moments to connect deeply has been crucial. It’s in these moments that we laugh, share, dream and simply enjoy each other’s company.

There’s a beautiful quote by Mother Teresa that resonates with me here, “We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”

Quality time doesn’t have to involve grand plans or extravagant gestures. It could be as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee together in the morning or taking a walk hand in hand.

These shared moments, no matter how small, are where great love truly thrives.

8) Forgiveness and letting go

Lastly, but certainly not least, successful couples understand the power of forgiveness. They know that holding onto resentment and anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.

It’s not always easy, believe me. I’ve been there, holding onto past hurts and letting them fester. But I’ve learned that forgiveness is less about the other person and more about setting myself free.

Successful couples learn to say “I’m sorry,” to accept apologies, and most importantly, to let go.

Remember, a successful relationship isn’t one without mistakes or disagreements. It’s one where mistakes are forgiven, lessons are learned, and love continues to grow despite everything.

Final thoughts

And there you have it – eight behaviors that I’ve found to be common in 95% of successful couples.

Remember, no relationship is perfect, and these behaviors don’t come naturally to everyone. It takes effort, patience, and a lot of love to build a truly successful relationship.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into these concepts and learning practical strategies to strengthen your relationship, I invite you to check out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

Remember, love is a journey, not a destination. Keep learning, growing, and loving. This is Tina Fey, signing off with love and wisdom.