5 Things People in Healthy Relationships Do Every Week

Let’s face it! Life can get very overwhelming at times. Between our responsibilities as parents, work, major life challenges, and finances, it's hard to find time and energy to nurture our most meaningful relationships and marriages. Studies have shown that the real magic in nurturing relationships often lies in the small, consistent things couples do, not the grand gestures or big breakthroughs. The key is this: the happiest, most connected couples share a handful of weekly habits that keep their bond strong, steady, and resilient.

Whether you're newly in love or decades into marriage, here are five weekly rituals healthy couples swear by. Because I am a visual thinker, I have included examples of what it looks like and why it matters.

1. They Have Regular Check-Ins (Yes, Even When Things Are Fine)

In a healthy relationship, communication isn’t just about putting out fires, it’s about keeping the emotional climate clear before things get cloudy.

What it looks like:

• Setting aside 10–20 minutes a week to talk intentionally about the relationship

• Asking open-ended questions like:

  • “How are you feeling about us lately?”

  • “What’s been weighing on you this week?”

  • “Is there anything I could be doing better or more of?”

  • 
    

Why it matters: These moments reduce emotional build-up, prevent resentment, and make conflict easier to navigate when it does arise.

2 They Show Physical Affection—Outside the Bedroom

Affection isn't just about intimacy—it's about creating physical signals of safety and love. Touch builds trust, eases stress, and increases oxytocin (the bonding hormone).

What it looks like:

• Daily hugs or kisses that aren’t rushed or automatic

• Sitting close during meals or TV time

• Holding hands on walks or during conversations

• 
  

Why it matters: Couples who maintain regular, non-sexual touch report greater emotional closeness and satisfaction over time.

3. They Share Moments of Play or Laughter

Playfulness isn’t just for kids—it’s a vital part of emotional connection. Laughter, inside jokes, and shared silliness help couples weather hard times and stay emotionally agile.

What it looks like:

• Watching a comedy together or rewatching a favourite funny scene

• Engaging in a shared hobby or silly tradition (e.g., game night, goofy voice messages)

• Teasing each other gently and with affection

• 
  

Why it matters: Play and laughter foster joy, release tension, and make your relationship a source of emotional renewal.

4. They Make Time for Individual Space

This may sound counterintuitive—but people in healthy relationships give each other room to breathe. Alone time helps you recharge, reflect, and bring fresh energy back to the partnership.

What it looks like:

• A solo walk, hobby, or night out with friends

• Respecting each other’s need to decompress separately

• Encouraging independence, rather than seeing it as a disconnection

  
  

Why it matters: Healthy couples understand that autonomy fuels attraction, and absence can strengthen appreciation.

5. They Express Gratitude—Specifically and Often

Gratitude might sound cliché, but it’s incredibly powerful—especially when it's specific. Happy couples go beyond “thanks” and name exactly what they appreciate about their partner.

What it looks like:

• “I really appreciated how you handled bedtime with the kids tonight.”

• “Thank you for listening to me vent—it helped me feel less alone.”

• “You made me laugh so hard this morning. I needed that.”

  
  

Why it matters: Regular appreciation strengthens your emotional bank account. It reminds both of you that your efforts are seen and valued.

Final Thoughts

Great relationships aren’t just built on love; they’re built on intentional habits. These five weekly practices don’t take much time, but they pay off in connection, trust, and long-term happiness.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your current relationship or start fresh with better patterns, these rituals are a great place to begin. Empowered To Thrive Counselling Services.