Healthy relationships can be built on mutual respect and commitment. Although you may have felt an instant and unrestrained connection when you first met your partner, maintaining that spark over time will require effort. But don’t worry, it’s the most rewarding and fun work you’ll ever do. Every relationship is unique, but you can improve your friendship, intimacy, and bond. These 10 tips will help you improve your relationship with RN.

1. Ask your partner to try something new

Communication is the number one determinant of success in any relationship. Although it’s great to inquire about your partner’s day, it can become routine if you ask the same question every day or avoid introducing new topics. You can improve your communication and relationship by asking your partner more specific questions. Asking new questions, such as “How did that make you feel?” or “What would you rather do at work ?”),,” will help you avoid being a passive listener, allow you to be more attentive, and facilitate meaningful conversations.

2. Set aside a date night each month

You have a lot going on between your schedules and non-stop responsibilities. The best way to ensure that you make time for one another is to create a monthly night dedicated to strengthening your relationship and rekindling that spark. You can spice up your relationship, or do something fun together, by scheduling a date. It’s only one night per month, but it will make a lasting impression on your relationship.

3. Thank you

Particularly in long-term relationships, it is easy to get complacent and expect our partner will meet all our needs. It’s important to thank your partner for doing the dishes after dinner and compliment them on their work. This will make them feel valued and helps you remember why it is you love them. It is important to show appreciation and gratitude for their presence in your life.

4. Schedule a check-in

Although scheduling might not sound very romantic or spontaneous, it will help keep your relationship strong. It’s easy to let frustration after irritation build up to the point of a fight. Regular checking in will help you have fewer fights, better communication, and a stronger connection. A relationship is two people trying to meet their needs. Talk about any triggers, problems or good times. You can do it monthly, weekly, daily, or at the end each day. Make sure you have it in your calendars so that you don’t forget.

5. Keep an eye out for the little things

Listening to your partner is a great way to bring meaning to the conversation. Then, you can continue to discuss those things in the future. If your partner mentions that they are interested in a pair of new shoes, make sure you take it down and gift it to them. Or, if they say they would like to try a new restaurant, go ahead and suggest it for your next date or surprise them with take-out. It will make your partner feel valued and appreciated that you are attentive to the smallest details and that you remember them. It’s the little things that matter the most.

6. Let go of the past

The past can be a source of many arguments, and it is not always the root cause. It’s hard to move on in a relationship if you continue to dwell on past problems or fights. It might be a sign that you are dwelling on the past too much. Is it because you are naturally less forgiving? Or is there something that you cannot forgive? You can gain clarity about yourself and your partner by focusing on the root cause of this recurring feeling.

7. Show your affection

You know what you think about your partner. From holding hands at restaurants to sharing a meal together, to getting into bed at night together, they should feel the same. In long-term relationships, physical touch is key to keeping romance alive. Avoid routines that involve physical touch. This means that the only touch you give to someone is a hug hello or a kiss goodbye. These gestures are important, but they should be avoided. To feel closer to them, you can hug them, hold their hand while they are driving or watching TV, or just pat them on the shoulder. Emotional closeness can be translated into physical closeness.

8. Learn your partner’s boundaries

Do you want your partner to be alone when they are upset? Are they okay with you texting all day, or prefer that you call them at night? Are there certain topics or ways they prefer to argue? These are easy questions, but understanding your partner’s boundaries will help you to avoid crossing them. Understanding your partner’s needs is key to understanding them. Talk to your partner to discuss your boundaries. But also listen and ask questions to better understand them.

9. Have fun together

Relationships can be described as friendships that are exclusive. While loving one another is vital, it is equally important to like each other. The life-partner stuff, such as dividing chores or holding hands, might be the most important things to improve your relationship. But friendship is equally important. You should laugh at least once a day together, regardless of whether you’re sharing a funny story at the grocery store, laughing at your own jokes, or enjoying the company of someone you love. Laughter not only helps to bond us, but it also reminds us that the purpose of a relationship is for us to love the person we love.

10. Take the time to be present for yourself

How we view ourselves will determine how we act in a relationship. If you are not confident in yourself, you will seek out assurance in your relationship. Or, if your partner is too busy to be with you, you will need to be there for them 24/7. It’s important to have a strong self-image in order to avoid toxic behavior. Find a hobby, plan with friends, and work on yourself. You will be the best version of yourself if you love yourself.