20 Things Married Couples Can Learn From Dating Couples
Experience Isn't Necessarily An Asset
Dating couples in the throes of new love might be cringy, but there's also a lot to learn from them. Behind the baby talk and puppy dog eyes, you can find some solid relationship practices that never stop being valuable, no matter how many years you've been married. From listening attentively to showing each other more physical affection, here are 20 things married couples can take away from dating ones, to help prevent turning into an old, bickering couple.
1. Being Kind To Each Other
We associate older married couples with constant bickering, whereas a new couple seems to have only good things to say to each other. Instead of voicing every grievance, giving their partner a hard time, married couples should take a leaf out of the dating couples' book and show each other more kindness.
2. Being Curious About Each Other
Because they're still in the "getting to know you" phase, dating couples constantly ask each other thoughtful questions. Once you're married, this curiosity might fizzle, and your conversations might turn to more practical matters, but letting curiosity die is a step towards complacency. There's always more to learn about your partner.
3. Surprising Each Other
Dating couples are constantly surprising each other with little gifts, gestures, or cute date ideas. Married couples rarely do this, but even small, unexpected acts can keep the spark alive and let your partner know you don't take them for granted.
4. Dressing Up For Each Other
When dating, couples go out, and they dress to impress each other. Even if the date is simple, putting some effort into your look, whether it's a new outfit or a different way of doing your makeup, can surprise them in the best way possible.
5. Prioritizing Physical Touch
Dating couples tend to prioritize physical touch more than married couples. Just because you've been together a long time doesn't mean affection isn't just as important for your mental health.
6. Showing Appreciation
Another thing that tends to fly out the window when you're married is showing each other appreciation. Dating couples express gratitude for every little small thing their partners do for them. Continuing this in marriage reinforces emotional safety and mutual respect.
7. Making Plans Together
Dating couples make plans together, whether it's a romantic getaway, goal setting, or random, far-fetched dreaming. Married couples have already done a lot of things together, but there's always more to explore, and planning keeps the relationship's forward momentum and adds excitement.
8. Prioritizing Quality Time
Dating couples cherish the time they get to spend together, meaning they're not on their phones while having dinner. It doesn't matter how busy your life gets; always carve out time for each other to keep the connection strong.
9. Being Playful
While dating couples are constantly having fun and smiling together, many married couples fall into a pattern of being too serious, whether because they're busy with their careers, their kids, or have weighty things to deal with. However, inside jokes and silliness keep relationships lighthearted and joyful.
10. Listening Attentively
That classic stereotype about old couples failing to listen to each other. Dating couples are genuinely trying to get to know each other, so they practice active listening naturally, which shows care and builds closeness.
11. Planning Creative Dates
Dating couples are constantly thinking up new date ideas to impress their partner, whether it's a new restaurant, a new recipe, a new activity, or a new place to watch the sunset. Married couples tend to fall into routine, but coming up with creative things to do can be extremely effective for keeping the spark alive.
12. Making Continuous Effort
Dating couples know that love is a verb. They need to prove to their partner they care every day through little gestures, sweet texts, or small gifts. Unfortunately, married couples tend to forget this and enter a place of complacency and routine, which is where passion fizzles.
13. Giving Each Other Space For Individuality
Dating couples tend to give each other a lot of space for their individual lives. On the other hand, because they share many aspects of life, married couples may spend way too much time together without really thinking about it, forgetting that distance makes the heart grow fonder.
14. Being Quick To Apologize & Forgive
Dating couples aren't used to fighting, but when they do, they're quicker to apologize, forgive, and forget, eager to move forward. Married couples, on the other hand, may be more used to fighting, and almost have a pattern of it, but this is a relationship downfall.
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15. Making Room For Fun
When you're dating, the relationship can feel so lighthearted, and you're glowing all the time. As life goes on, you have more responsibilities, but you should never underestimate the importance of fun as a couple.
16. Spending Lazy Days Together
Lazy days when you're dating are "Netflix and chill" nights that turn into entire weekends where it feels like you're in your own love bubble. When married couples have lazy days, they might not even spend them together, but doing so can ignite something you didn't even know you lost.
17. Being Attentive
Dating couples are constantly doting on each other. They want to show they care, so they're more aware of their partner's needs and are eager to please. This attentiveness tends to decline after marriage, but that's a sign that you're starting to take your relationship for granted.
18. Doing Acts Of Service
Swept up into the novelty of being in a relationship, dating couples are eager to do things for each other, whether it's picking their partner up from work or cooking them breakfast, even if it's early. Married couples tend to get lazy when it comes to these things, but trying to make your partner's life easier is always heartwarming and keeps the love strong.
19. Making Romantic Gestures
When you're newly dating, you're excited to think of ways to be romantic and make your partner feel special. Just because you're married doesn't mean romance is any less appreciated. Even small gestures help keep the passion alive.
20. Writing Each Other Thoughtful Texts
Dating couples are always writing each other little "good morning" or "I miss you" texts. Married couples, on the other hand, tend to write to each other about groceries or bills. Bring back the cute, thoughtful, or even sexy texts to ignite some sparkly feelings again.
