Lisa O
Happy couples aren’t perfect, but they do certain things differently. More importantly, there are things they never, ever do—habits and behaviors that can slowly chip away at love and trust. If you want to live like a happy couple, learn these 15 things they avoid at all costs.
They Never Keep Score
Love isn’t a game where one person wins and the other loses. If one partner starts counting who made more sacrifices or did more chores, resentment builds. Happy couples don’t treat their relationship like a transaction—”I did this, so now you owe me.” Instead, they do things out of love, not obligation. They understand that balance happens over time, not necessarily in a single day or week.
They Don’t Ignore Problems
Brushing issues under the rug may feel like the easier option, but eventually, that rug turns into a mountain. Happy couples don’t pretend things are fine when they’re not. They have hard conversations, even if it means staying up late to talk things through. They know that unspoken frustration doesn’t disappear—it just waits for the worst moment to explode.
They Never Compare Their Relationship to Others
It’s very easy to look at someone else’s relationship and think, Why don’t we have that? But happy couples know that what’s on the surface isn’t the full story. The couple posting cute pictures on vacation might have fought the entire flight there. Instead of focusing on what other people have, happy couples focus on making their relationship fulfilling.
They Don’t Make Decisions Alone
One person can’t call all the shots in a relationship. Happy couples check in with each other, whether it’s about weekend plans or big life choices. They don’t assume their partner will just “go with it.” Even small things, like deciding what to watch on Netflix, become opportunities to show respect and consideration.
They Never Stop Saying ‘Thank You’
It’s easy to assume your partner knows you appreciate them, but actually saying it? That hits differently. Happy couples don’t let kindness slide under the radar. Whether it’s a quick “Thanks for grabbing my favorite snack” or a heartfelt “I seriously don’t know what I’d do without you,” they make appreciation a daily thing.
They Don’t Dismiss Each Other’s Feelings
Saying “You’re overreacting” or “That’s not a big deal” is a fast way to make someone feel unheard. Happy couples validate each other’s emotions—even if they don’t fully understand them. Instead of shutting down a concern, they ask, Why does this matter to you? They make each other feel seen and heard, not crazy or dramatic.
They Don’t Avoid Apologizing
Saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t make you weak; it makes you emotionally mature. Happy couples don’t wait for the other person to cave first. They own up to their mistakes because they know that being right isn’t as important as being happy. And when they apologize, they mean it—no “I’m sorry if you felt that way” nonsense.
They Never Air Their Dirty Laundry Publicly
Complaining about your partner to friends might feel harmless, but it creates a negative script in your head. The more you focus on their flaws, the harder it becomes to see their good qualities. Happy couples vent to each other, not about each other. They handle issues privately and protect their relationship from unnecessary outside opinions.
They Don’t Let Phones Replace Real Conversations
We’ve all seen it: a couple sitting together, but both glued to their screens. Happy couples make time for real connection. They put their phones down during dinner, talk in bed instead of scrolling, and make sure technology doesn’t steal their attention from each other. A simple “How was your day?” without distractions can mean everything.
They Never Use Love as a Weapon
Threatening to break up or giving the silent treatment just to “teach a lesson”? Not in happy relationships. They don’t play mind games or make their partner question where they stand. They fight fair—no ultimatums, no emotional blackmail. They make their love a safe space so it doesn’t feel like a battlefield for the other person.
They Don’t Expect Perfection
Nobody is flawless. Happy couples don’t hold each other to impossible standards. They don’t panic when their partner has a bad day, makes a dumb mistake, or forgets something important. Instead of saying, Why aren’t you more like [someone else]? they say I love you, even when you’re not at your best.
They Don’t Neglect Their Own Happiness
Remember this always: A relationship isn’t meant to complete you—it’s meant to complement you. Happy couples don’t abandon their passions or expect their partner to fulfill every emotional need. They have hobbies, friendships, and goals outside of their relationship, making their bond even stronger. If one person is happy, it automatically makes the other one happy.
They Never Let Resentment Build Up
Holding onto past arguments is like carrying a heavy backpack—you don’t notice it at first, but over time, it wears you down. Happy couples don’t keep a mental list of past wrongs. When they forgive, they truly let go. They don’t pretend to move on while secretly staying mad. After all, holding grudges will only hurt you in the long run.
They Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Routine can suck the joy out of a relationship if you let it. Happy couples keep things exciting—whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, an inside joke, or just acting silly together. They don’t get so caught up in work and responsibilities that they forget to enjoy each other. Once in a while, adventures can make things fun for you both.
They Never Take Each Other for Granted
Love doesn’t run on autopilot. Happy couples get that keeping a relationship strong takes effort—real, everyday effort. They don’t just assume their partner knows they care; they prove it. A thoughtful note, a tight hug at the right moment, or simply paying attention when it counts—those little things make all the difference.