Relationships aren’t just about the big moments – it’s the little things that really add up over time! Here are 10 healthy relationship micro-habits for happiness. 

What’s one little thing you and your partner do that just makes your heart feel SO full? It might be that dependable ‘good morning’ text that never fails to make you smile (like clockwork!) or how they know your very complex coffee order by heart. 

For me, food is the biggest love language LOL. My partner always offers me the best piece of food and we always cheers before taking the first bite. 

These tiny things are everything in a relationship – they’re what make the big moments even more special. The truth is, love isn’t always just shouted from the rooftops; it’s in the whispers of the everyday micro-habits that make you both feel seen, appreciated, and loved.   So here’s a list of 10 small things healthy couples can do for a happy relationship. 

This post is all about healthy relationship micro-habits. 

RELATIONSHIP MICRO-HABITS

1. Morning or evening check-ins

Start or end your day with a quick little check-in on how things are going! Ask your partner open-ended questions like:

• What was the highlight of your day?
• What do you wish went better? 
• Was there a tough moment you want to talk about?

It doesn’t have to be a long convo, but open communication is SO important for a strong relationship over the long haul. It helps you both become more attuned to each others’ emotional needs and sets the tone for vulnerability on a regular basis. Happy couples practice emotional intimacy! 

2. Active listening

Make sure you’re ALWAYS present whenever you’re having a conversation. Ask questions and learn more about how they might feel about their situations. Fully participating in a conversation is truly one the best ways to build mutual trust in a romantic relationship.

So – put down your phone (say bye to social media for a bit!) and focus on your partner when sharing. Use your body language (nodding, eye contact, emotions) to show that you actually care. It’s a simple habit that can mean so much.

3. Small physical touch

Physical touch is a HUGE love language for many and it doesn’t just mean sex! Practicing small moments of physical touch is equally as important! A long hug after a day apart, holding hands in public, resting their head on your shoulder, and touching their arm when they make you laugh are all ways to meet your partner’s physical needs. 

4. Share meals together

When you can, eat together. It’s not just about food – it’s also about spending quality time together. Make this part of your daily routine, even if it’s just breakfast or a quick snack! Every day, I look forward to sitting down with my partner to eat dinner. It’s the perfect time to connect, chat about good news, or even plan your next adventure. 

5. Little surprises

Integrate small surprises to keep the relationship exciting! These small gestures let your partner know that they’re thinking about you throughout the day. This is a great idea if your partner’s love language is gifts! 

Here are some good examples:

• Getting flowers
• Bringing home dessert
• Planning an impromptu date night
• Writing a love letter

6. Compliments daily

Words MATTER! Did you know that FOUR POSITIVE THINGS are needed to overcome ONE NEGATIVE comment? Our brains are wired towards negativity so compliment your partner! This is especially important if their love language is words of affirmation. Compliment their outfit, tell them you’re proud of them for accomplishing something at work/school, or how much you loved something they did for you. It’s a great habit to help crush any bad relationship habits around negativity. 

7. Gratitude

Always say thank you. Even for the little things. It’s one of the most important things you can do to build a successful relationship. Say thanks for taking out the trash, for grabbing food, for walking the dog, thanks for listening, or for just being an amazing partner! Gratitude fosters mutual respect and cuts down so much resentment.

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8. Share a laugh

Did you know that the happiest couples see their partners as their best friend? This study shows that couples who are best friends have almost double the wellbeing of those who aren’t. Developing positive habits around friendship is incredibly important for romantic love, and what better way to build that than to share a laugh?! 

Anytime you see something funny, send it or call it out to your partner! Humor is SUCH a great way to build intimacy. My partner and I have endless inside jokes. Focusing on laughter and positivity can even turn a stressful time into one of those “remember when?” stories. 

9. Celebrate little wins

It’s easy to get lost in trekking towards our goals so help your partner celebrate the small things! It could be finishing a tough project or ACTUALLY sticking to a new habit. Bake a cake, pop open a bottle of your favorite wine, or write a sweet note for them to let them know you’re proud of them. 

10. Plan together

Take some time to plan together each day. This will help you both stay organized and also have something to work towards together! You can plan towards a common goal, schedule date nights, dream up a vacation, etc! Such a fun way to collaborate with your partner.

This post was all about relationship micro-habits. Practice these for a happy marriage!