3 Steps to A Better Relationship

Making a few small changes in your relationship can make a huge difference and lead to lasting, meaningful results. Often, it's the little negative habits we let slide that slowly chip away at the connection and love between partners. On the flip side, adding in small positive gestures can breathe new life into a relationship or make a good one even better.

Small Changes for a Better Relationship

1. Show Genuine Interest.

It’s pretty amazing when you feel like your partner really gets you – your likes, dislikes, hopes, fears, dreams, and everything in between. Early on in dating and marriage, we’re usually in tune with each other’s world, but as life gets busy, it’s easy to lose track and forget that your partner’s world is always changing.

Your partner's favorite movie, song, dessert, or hobby may not be the same as they were a year ago. Their hopes, dreams, worries, and goals won't be the same either. Do you know your partner's current worries, hopes for the future, and goals for the next month and year? If not, these are great conversation topics for date night.

2. Point out the positives.

Watching couples in the early stages of love gives us great clues on how to build closeness and connection. In those early days, couples tend to focus on and highlight all the things they love and admire about each other. It almost feels like their partner’s good qualities completely outweigh any negatives.

How do couples go from noticing all the amazing things about their partner to getting more focused on irritations and disappointments? While part of it is just the novelty of the relationship fading, some of it comes from developing negative thought patterns over time.

The great qualities in your partner that first attracted you are still there – the real question is, are you taking the time to notice them? Try making it a habit to focus on the things you love about your partner, and don’t hesitate to show your appreciation when you spot them. This builds and maintains feelings of fondness and emotional intimacy in a long-term relationship.

It's remarkable how small adjustments can pave the way for a more fulfilling and harmonious relationship.

3. Prioritize Daily Connection

A lot of couples I work with share a common worry – they just don’t have time for each other anymore. Between kids, work, chores, and everything else life throws at them, their days get swallowed up. When they do get a moment to talk, it’s usually about practical stuff, like figuring out childcare or handling tasks around the house. While those conversations are important for keeping things running smoothly, they don’t really help build that closeness and connection between partners.

Building closeness is about taking a few minutes to slow down – maybe five or ten – turn off distractions, look each other in the eye, hold hands, and just check in emotionally. It’s a time for some real friendship talk, where you can show you’re genuinely interested in what’s going on in your partner’s world.

Your Relationship Prescription

Improving your relationship starts with taking action. By making small, intentional changes—whether it’s focusing on positive communication, showing more appreciation, or learning to navigate conflict in healthier ways—you can create a stronger bond with your partner. It’s about putting in the effort every day, not waiting for things to magically improve. These steps might feel simple, but they make a huge difference in building a happier, healthier relationship. Start today, and watch how these small changes lead to a more connected and fulfilling partnership.