How to Be a Better Spouse

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a man and woman dancing on a beach

Whether you’re a newlywed or have been married for more than a decade, there’s no wrong time to improve your skills as a spouse. Research shows that one of the best ways to ensure the health of a relationship is when both partners make active individual efforts to keep the relationship strong. If you’re looking for new ways to bring that spark back into your relationship, to communicate better, or just get closer to your partner, read on for ideas.

Spoil Your Partner

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Especially in the middle of a global pandemic, it can be easy to take our spouses for granted. Where we might have noticed their desire for a new Rolex watch before, we’re too distracted with online school and work to pay attention to the little things. Luxury dive watches for sale could have been something we looked into before, but with the distraction of current events, that’s gotten harder. Now is the time to make a conscious choice to do better.

Turn the evening news off and do what you can to control your internet addiction. Instead, ask your partner about what kind of gift they’d like the next time a holiday or special occasion comes along. You might be surprised what their answer is. From a new Omega timepiece to a smartphone case, you might even be able to spoil your partner just because. You don’t have to wait for a birthday or another event to buy something special for them. They might even return the favor, and who couldn’t use a little something extra right now?

Be in the Moment

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If you are someone who might have an internet addiction or a smartphone addiction, make sure you aren’t phubbing your partner. If you aren’t sure what phubbing means, the simple answer is allowing your mobile device to distract you and take you away from social interactions in real life. If you’re someone who always has their cellphone only inches away and is constantly checking it, practice turning it off at bedtime, leaving it in another room when you’re with your partner, and being more present in the relationship in general. This will go a long way in showing your spouse how much you care.

Communicate and Listen Clearly

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A big part of being a good spouse is not only being attentive, but receptive. Work hard to communicate to your partner that you are listening during conversations. Especially in a pandemic, there are many times when our partners are the only human interaction we have in-person for days. Now, more than ever, it’s important to show how much our loved one matters.

The same way listening is important, communicating clearly matters too. You can show your spouse just how they matter to you simply by being honest and open about your feelings. By eliminating head games, hinting around, or shutting down on all ends, your relationship will get stronger than ever.

The Little Things

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Never forget the little things that make relationships special. In theory, your spouse is your best friend. Take time to laugh together without a major distraction. When you’re alone, find ways to connect with humor and shared interests. Those inside jokes or favorite television shows are what many people miss when they aren’t in a relationship. Never take them for granted. It’s in the little connections that your relationship is different from anyone else’s.

In the end, no relationship is perfect. Taking time to work on intimacy, avoiding major distractions, planning dinner dates, and other forms of quality time together can be a great first step in ensuring the overall health of a relationship. Start with an open and honest conversation with your partner where neither of you is distracted and come up with ways you can make your relationship a top priority.