7 behaviors of people who are genuinely happy in their relationship

There’s a distinct difference between merely being in a relationship and being genuinely happy in one.

This difference? It’s all about behavior. People who are truly content in their relationships exhibit certain behaviors that set them apart from others.

According to psychology, these behaviors are pretty consistent among happy couples. And the good news is, they’re not complicated or difficult to adopt.

In fact, I’ll share with you seven key behaviors of people who are genuinely happy in their relationships.

These behaviors, grounded in mindfulness and self-improvement, can help you transform your own relationship into a haven of happiness.

So, let’s dive deeper into these behaviors and understand what it means to be genuinely happy in a relationship.

1) Open and honest communication

There’s no underestimating the importance of communication in a relationship.

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People who are genuinely happy in their relationships understand this. They don’t just communicate, they communicate effectively.

This means being open about their feelings, thoughts, and desires. It also means listening when their partner is doing the same.

But effective communication goes beyond just talking and listening. It’s also about understanding and empathy. It’s about hearing what isn’t being said as much as what is.

As the renowned psychologist Carl R. Rogers once said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgement on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good!”

Happy couples understand this. They strive to not just hear, but truly understand their partners.

And this understanding forms the bedrock of genuine happiness in a relationship.

2) They prioritize quality time together

Quality time is like the fuel that keeps the relationship engine running. At least, that’s what I’ve found in my own relationship.

My partner and I have always prioritized spending quality time together – not just being in the same room but actually doing things together. Be it cooking a meal, going for a walk, or even just cuddling up with a good movie.

We’ve discovered that it’s not about how much time we spend together, but about how we spend that time. It’s about being present and engaged with each other.

The famous psychologist John Gottman, once said, “Being there for each other when we need it most is one of the greatest signs of love. It’s not about being together 24/7, but about being there in the moments that matter.”

People who are genuinely happy in their relationships get this. They make quality time a priority.

They understand that these shared experiences and moments not only bring them closer but also build a strong foundation of shared memories and mutual understanding.

3) They practice forgiveness

Can we be honest for a moment?

Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, and that includes in our relationships.

What sets genuinely happy couples apart is their ability to forgive. They understand that holding onto resentment and anger only hurts themselves and their relationship.

They choose forgiveness, not because it’s easy, but because they know it’s essential for their happiness.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning the wrongdoing. It means making the conscious decision to let go of the anger and resentment that can poison a relationship.

In practicing forgiveness, happy couples are able to let go of past hurts and focus on building a better future together.

4) They show appreciation and gratitude

Feeling valued and appreciated is a fundamental human desire. When we feel appreciated, we feel good about ourselves and the relationship we are in.

People in genuinely happy relationships understand this. They regularly express their appreciation for their partner, for both the big and small things they do.

But it’s not just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s about showing genuine gratitude and appreciation.

A study by the University of Georgia found that the highest predictor of marital quality was the amount of gratitude partners showed for each other. The study found that feeling appreciated and believing that your spouse values you directly influences how you feel about your marriage, how committed you are to

5) They embrace each other’s individuality

My partner and I are two very different individuals. Our interests, hobbies, and even our personalities in some ways, are poles apart. But we’ve learned to embrace these differences.

People who are genuinely happy in their relationships do the same. They understand that they and their partner are two unique individuals. They respect and value these differences, knowing that it’s these very differences that make their relationship rich and diverse.

They understand that a relationship isn’t about losing oneself but about growing together while maintaining one’s individuality.

The renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”

Happy couples get this. They don’t just tolerate each other’s individuality, they embrace it, knowing that it’s this individuality that enriches their relationship.

6) They know when to step back

This might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. People who are genuinely happy in their relationships understand the importance of giving each other space.

While spending quality time together is important, so is having time for oneself. It’s about maintaining a balance between togetherness and individuality.

Happy couples know when to step back, to give their partner the space they need to pursue their own interests, to spend time with their own friends, or simply to have some alone time.

As renowned psychologist Esther Perel once said, “Love rests on two pillars: surrender and autonomy. Our need for togetherness exists alongside our need for separateness.”

People in genuinely happy relationships understand this. They know that giving each other space doesn’t mean they love each other any less.

On the contrary, it shows a level of respect and understanding that only deepens their love for each other.

7) They maintain a positive outlook

People who are genuinely happy in their relationships choose to see the good. They focus on the positives, both in their partner and in their relationship.

The famous psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

Happy couples apply this to their relationships, opting for a positive perspective. They see challenges as opportunities for growth, and they view their partner’s flaws with understanding and compassion.

It’s this positive outlook that keeps their relationship happy and healthy.

Final thoughts
Relationships, like any aspect of our lives, are influenced by a myriad of factors. But at the core, it’s our behaviors that hold the most sway.

The seven behaviors we’ve discussed today – open communication, quality time, forgiveness, appreciation, embracing individuality, giving space, and maintaining a positive outlook – these are not just characteristics of happy couples. They are choices that people in happy relationships make every day.

They may not always be easy choices to make, and they may not always come naturally. But it’s these choices that make the difference between a relationship that’s merely existing and one that’s genuinely thriving.

As we close this conversation on happiness in relationships, reflect on these behaviors. See how they are present (or missing) in your own relationships.

Remember, happiness isn’t a destination we arrive at, but a journey we undertake every day through our choices and actions.

Let these behaviors guide your journey towards a happier relationship.