Sustainable relationships are not based on large gestures, but on small regular attentions. If many are focused on morning rituals – like preparing the other’s coffee or kissing before leaving – other moments of the day can be just as precious to strengthen the romantic link. According to Amy Morin, psychotherapist and author of 13 things that mentally strong couples do not doevening offers an ideal opportunity to reconnect. The key ingredient? Gratitude.
Gratitude, a powerful ritual before bedtime
The strongest couples have one thing in common: they take a few minutes, each evening, to express gratitude. It is not necessarily a question of thanking each other, but of sharing what we feel recognizing during the day – whether it is a received gesture, a pleasant moment or even a trivial detail. “”This not only improves your mood, but also that of your partner“, Underlines Amy Morin. Significant bonus: studies show that gratitude also promotes better sleep.
“Oy and Joy”: talk about the heart, without judgment
Another ritual recommended by the expert in relations Sara Nasserzadeh: the practice of “Oy and Joy”. The idea? Take a moment to share what weighed on our day (the “oy”) and what brought us joy (the “joy”). This simple setting allows everyone to express themselves, even in couples where one of the partners speaks more than the other. It is a way not to keep anything for yourself, to avoid misunderstandings, while ending on a positive note.
Physical contact, an essential love language
Finally, couples that last know how much touch counts. No need for long hug sessions: a few minutes are enough. Sits back to back and breathe together, look in the eyes or exchange a prolonged kiss can feed intimacy. Even the simplest gestures – like rubbing your feet or holding your hand – strengthen the connection. The important thing is to be intentional, even when the fatigue or the evening routines take over.
Building a strong relationship does not require hours or spectacular efforts. A few minutes in the evening, devoted to gratitude, emotional sharing and physical contact, may be enough to create a lasting connection. Because as Sara Nasserzadeh reminds us, “For love to emerge and re -emerge again and again, it is necessary to cultivate the ingredients on a daily basis“.