Most people think a happy relationship should happen naturally when you’re with the right person. That’s not true. Relationships require work and a lot of effort. The best relationships are those that are filled with honesty and communication. Here are 10 things you can do to make sure you’re a great couple.

1. Get Into Bed At The Same Time

Remember when you first started dating and you couldn’t wait to “go to bed” and sleep next to each other? Well that’s necessary to maintain. When you go to bed together, you’re making sure you’re on the same page.  Whether you choose to have sex, or just cuddle, going to bed together shows that you’re putting in effort to make sure you’re connecting.

2. Find Common Interests

It’s important to enjoy doing things together as a couple. You don’t need to share all hobbies but you should have activities that just the two of you can do. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re having fun doing it together.

3. Hold Hands

Holding hands increases the closeness, which is always needed. It’s a simple act that makes you feel loved and connected to each other. When you’ve been together for many years, it’s easy for the intimacy to fade. When you hold hands as you walk down the street, you’re showing each other that you still care.

4. Focus On The Positive

Happy couples accentuate the positive things their partner does. They don’t nit-pick or criticize. It’s crucial to ensure that you’re complementary and supportive. You want to make your partner feel good.

5. Kiss Each Other And Say “I Love You”

Before you leave for work in the morning, give your partner a really great goodbye kiss and say “I Love You.” When you come home from a long day, do the same thing. Your morning and evening greeting should be something that you look forward to. Once you start kissing and sharing your feelings often, you’ll appreciate each other more. People forget that the small things make a difference. When you begin your day with something positive, you’re starting on a good note.

6. Don’t Forget Each Other

In the crazy hectic world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up and become too busy for each other. Remember how excited you were to see each other when you first started dating? Well, nothing is stopping you from feeling that way all the time. Do little things to make each other happy. Be thankful that you have someone you love who loves you back. Look at your partner and be grateful that you’re together.

7. Plan “Date Night”

Having a date night is essential. Just like when you first started seeing each other, one of you should plan the entire night. Date night encourages you to do something to better your relationship. As silly as it sounds, getting dressed up and going out, just the two of you, keeps the romance strong. When you work on keeping the spark alive, you’re making an effort to be happy.

8. Be Best Friends

Being friends with your significant other takes work. When you’ve been together for what feels like an eternity, it’s easy to shut each other out. Communicating is essential. You have to make sure that you find time to listen to each other and share your feelings.

9. Break The Expected Routine 

Your relationship shouldn’t feel like a routine. Do you call each other at the same time every day? Does every night consist of the same activity? If so, switch it up. Your life as a couple shouldn’t become predictable. You don’t want anything to ever feel like it’s scheduled. You should embrace spontaneity and surprise each other with fun things to do.

10. Focus On Each Other

When you spend time together, really be together. Put your phones away and focus on each other. If you’re spending the night in, light some candles. Make your home feel like a home. Set the mood so you feel relaxed and carefree. If you’re at a restaurant, make eye contact and enjoy each other’s company. Be present so your time together is valuable.