If you want to be successful in life, you need to have healthy relationships. Research has found that healthy relationships can reduce stress, encourage healthy behaviors, and give you a stronger sense of purpose. In other words, relationships play a leading role in your health and well-being.

But it takes a little elbow grease to nourish and maintain meaningful relationships, especially when you’re social distancing. Thankfully, you can achieve that goal by adopting these habits.

Always show respect to your partner:

Showing respect to your partner is a habit that is worth creating, as it’s a necessary ingredient for creating a happy, healthy, and long-lasting connection. When you express respect towards your partner, you are expressing your love, acceptance, and warmth. When you express disrespect, you are expressing that you don’t accept your partner. Respecting your partner is all about valuing them for who they are, including differences. You may have a different outlook on life but this does not mean that you should disrespect your partner and put them down.

When you experience disagreements, make sure that you respect your partner’s differences. This does not allow you to disrespect your partner out in public or in front of friends and family. Always show respect especially when you have a disagreement. There will be times where you don’t agree on an issue and it will be how you handle this issue as a team that will make all the difference in the world.

Turn off the television in the evenings and be with your partner:

How can you possibly connect with your partner when the television is always on? There is no connection building when both of you are constantly staring at the television screen in the evenings. Make the mental decision to turn off the TV in the evenings, and spend quality time together. Occasionally, you can snuggle and watch a movie, but avoid watching television most evenings. Take time to ask your partner about their day and how they’re doing. This habit creates connection and love. Snuggle up on the couch and talk with your partner; talk about each other and what the two of you can do to develop your relationship. There will always be something to talk about, whether it’s planning for the next vacation or your next date night. Focus on developing your relationship, and talk about issues that need to be addressed.

Bring your partner coffee in the morning:

This simple gesture means a lot to my husband. He enjoys drinking coffee, and bringing it to him in the morning expresses love and affection. If your partner likes to drink coffee in the morning, create this habit, and express love through this act of service.

Express positive attributes about your partner to others:

The habit of expressing positive attributes about your partner will help deepen the connection in your relationship. On the contrary, expressing negative attributes about your partner will only build a tall wall between the two of you. Do you know a couple that always argues in public and expresses negative traits about each other to friends? This is a bad habit that eventually destroys a relationship. This negative pattern of behavior creates mistrust, disconnection, and a lack of respect. Make a habit of expressing positive attributes to others. This positive pattern of behavior creates admiration, fondness, and love.

Reconnect throughout the day:

We have such busy schedules that connecting with your partner throughout the day can be the last priority, but if you want to have a happy, long-lasting relationship, reconnecting with your partner throughout the day is crucial. It can be as simple as sending a loving text during your lunch break or giving your partner a call on the way home. This habit is meant to keep the connection and focus with your partner. Even if you have a hectic schedule, you can still take the time to send a text message or give your partner a phone call. Be creative. Think of ways that you can do to reconnect with your partner throughout the day.