Actions may be louder than words, but verbalizing certain feelings can go a long way in keeping your bond strong. It is important to let your partner know that you love them and care for them and here the phrases that can let them know that.
"No, I don't think I will kiss you although you need kissing, badly. That's what's wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows love," Rhett Butler says to Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind. While lines like these will make us swoon and fall in love with the Hollywood stars that said them, relationships in real life aren't so glamorous.
It isn't as simple as kissing your partner and fixing all the problems in a relationship. Instead of these cheesy dialogues, there are a few phrases, though small, that have the power to keep the love between two people strong.
Relationship specialist Jen Elmquist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, affirms that. “A key to nurturing a happy and healthy relationship resides in each partner’s ability to infuse the relationship with positive and affirmative energy,” she tells Bustle. “A lot of this energy is exchanged through non-verbal communication, but some of the strongest influence we have on our partner is expressed through our words.” And there is one phrase that experts say is more powerful than "I love you."
But all of this only counts if your partner means what they say. So then what are phrases that couples strong, stable relationships say to each other?
It takes two people to love and respect each other equally for a relationship to work. Knowing that you have someone to support you in your goals and dreams can bring about a sense of warmth and security like no other.
“'Being a team’ doesn’t mean ‘inseparable’ or ‘dependent,’” Lesli Doares, a licensed marriage and family therapist says in HerCampus. “It means two people working together for common goals. Strong couples make use of each other’s strengths to make their relationship better. They don’t compete with each other as much as they compete for each other.”
You'd never think it, but reminiscing about old, loving memories with your partner can do so much for both of you. All those inside jokes and touching memories can help remind you about the good things that brought the two of you together.
Appreciation is a powerful force, especially in a relationship. Being complimented is something we all like but when it comes from your partner, it makes it more meaningful. Especially when they acknowledge every aspect of you because it shows you that they care about how well-rounded you are.
Everybody needs a little help once in a while. And this is the phrase that is the most important one in a relationship. In fact, couples say that this phrase means more than any other from their partner. New York-based psychologist Jane Greer states that a simple act of kindness can go a long way in making your partner feel emotionally stable, according to Her.com.
She says, "A lot of times, we will look to help by offering advice, which typically is the last thing someone wants to hear or will find helpful. 'How can I help?' conveys five important things: You're tuned in to your partner, aware of what they're going through, considering their feelings and needs, empathetic to their situation, and looking to help out on a supportive, concrete level.”
A simple thank you can brighten a stranger's day. But it holds a far greater meaning when it comes from your significant other. Both of you have worked hard to make this relationship fulfilling and it's reassuring to know that your partner is grateful for the things you do.
Being independent all the time can get a bit exhausting. So it's a relief to have a partner who understands when you want a break and decides to take matters into his own hands.
As much as you love being with your partner all the time, even you need some alone time with your friends, family, and hobbies. “There’s no formula, but it’s about trusting and respecting that somebody can have a full life,” Fran Greene, a relationship coach and author of The Flirting Bible says. Saying things like, “Have a really good time,” “Have fun with your friends!” or, “Hope your night is awesome; I can’t wait to hear about it!” gives both you and your partner the opportunity to stay true to your identity.
The test of a relationship lies in the difficulties you have to face together. Being there for each other through those tough times can show you just how much your partner cares about the bond between you two. It is these adversities that can tell you whether your partner and relationship is worth it.
Three words. They hold such deep meaning no matter how many times you say it. It's easy to sometimes forget to let your partner know that you love them due to the hustle and bustle of daily life. Stef Safran, matchmaking and dating expert, says “Even when couples have their ups and downs in life, saying ‘I love you’ is essential. Whether you’re ending a conversation, not having a great day, or when times are tough — that’s all love.”
References:
https://www.hercampus.com/sex-relationships/relationships/8-things-strong-couples-say-each-other
https://www.her.ie/life/do-you-say-the-most-important-phrase-used-by-happy-couples-in-love-243708
https://www.elitedaily.com/dating/things-couples-in-love-say/2020070
