Being in a happy relationship is all about healthy and meaningful communication. Happy couples open up and have the tough conversations so they can emerge with more strength and understanding.
But what exactly do they talk about? Keep reading to see how your relationship can go beyond the small talk.
1. Hopes and Dreams
One of the best things about being a couple is having someone to share your hopes and dreams with. When it’s a healthy marriage or relationship, each person feels free to be honest and share their dreams without restraint because the other person listens and encourages those hopes and dreams. When you get that little push, those dreams seem more possible. That makes you and your spouse or partner happier.
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2. Fears and Frustrations
On the flip side is whatever scares you or makes you mad, which could be anything from deep emotions you’ve been carrying for years to little things that come up at work. Having someone to discuss these with can alleviate the burden. Take advantage of not being alone!
3. Money
Many couples fight about money, but the topic of money is more of a discussion in happy couples.
Although happy couples might not agree on everything about money, especially when there isn’t enough to go around, they are still able to talk calmly and make rational decisions together. This communication helps lower stress, which makes for a happier couple.
4. Sex
Do you really have to talk about sex? Why not just go for it and let it work itself out?
Sometimes couples aren’t happy with some aspect of their sexual relationship, be it quality, quantity or technique. Keeping those thoughts and feelings to yourself is likely to wear at you and make you less happy.
Talking about sex is definitely something happy couples do. When they can understand each other outside of the bedroom, being together inside the bedroom is a more exciting prospect.
5. Politics
Politics can be people’s least favorite topic to talk about, especially if the other person isn’t on the same page as them. Politics involves many emotions,, future possibility and quite a few imperfect politicians. It’s only natural that many conversations on this topic are a little heated.
Happy couples know discussing politics — even if they don’t agree — is important so they can understand where the other one is coming from. It is in these discussions we can really see what is most important to the other person.
6. Spiritual or Religious Topics
Spiritual or religious topics can be tricky. You don’t want to step on any toes, but you also don’t want to be forced into something you don’t believe in.
Happy couples know it’s important to discuss these things calmly and respectfully. You can’t ignore this part of a person’s life, even if you are afraid to talk about.
Try it! It might not be as horrible as you think. When you get your thoughts out and your spouse listens and maybe even agrees or at least respects your beliefs, you are both happier for it.
7. Household or Parenting Issues
If you have a house and family, you must talk about those things regularly. From the little things like your child’s favorite toys to bigger things like issues at school or major household repairs, happy couples share everything. It’s important for each person to be part of everything that is going on. When you go through it together, as opposed to alone, then you can be a much happier couple.
8. Memories
Whether it’s a conversation about your childhood or mentioning memories as they come up in daily life, sharing memories is something all happy couples do. Your past is a big part of what shaped you as a person, so it’s only natural that a spouse would want to relive it with you.
Eventually, you’ll create many of your own memories you can reflect on and share. Knowing you’ve built a great life together will increase your happiness.
9. Learning Experiences
Analyzing what you have learned over the years together is an important part of a happy relationship. Noticing and reflecting on those changes helps you be grateful for the hard times and good times.
Your experiences and insights can also help your partner learn from you and vice versa. As you learn and grow together, the happier you become. Working with a couple’s counselor can also provide a safe, open environment to discuss any issues that are keeping you from achieving happiness in your relationship.
Sylvia Smith is a relationship expert with years of experience in training and helping couples in therapy. She is currently associated with Marriage.com, a reliable resource assisting millions of couples to resolve their marital issues.
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