According to psychology, doing just a few daily rituals can help couples stay closer than ever and help prevent divorce. That’s not to say that these couples are perfect (spoiler alert: no one is!), but it does help keep divorce at bay. When two people put in the work and are willing to grow as they get older together, they can help sustain a happy and healthy relationship that stands the test of time. And when you practice habits often enough, they become second nature and easier to maintain.
They know that it’s okay to take a ‘time out’
If you’re getting frustrated with your spouse, rather than relentlessly trying to solve problems, taking a break can be helpful. Proximity can make things even worse when you’re driving each other crazy, and taking space is important. This can be hard, especially when you live together, but there are several ways to take a time out. You can run, head to the gym, or get outside the house to do something you enjoy, whether that’s hitting a local spot or meeting up with friends. If you can’t go outside, go to another room and read your favorite book or watch your favorite show, have a snack, or take a bath. Take advantage of the distance and practice some self-care during these moments. In a cramped space like a studio apartment, putting in your headphones can be helpful. Listen to a podcast, a song, or an audiobook. Headphones can also double as earplugs.
