If you typed “how to have a healthy relationship” into a search engine, results would suggest starting couples therapy, doing self-work, and reading one of the thousands of books that swear to have all the answers. Of course, all of those things can help build healthy relationship habits, but if you’re looking for something to implement, it’s worth addressing what is making you feel not-so-positive about your relationship in the first place. Small, often unintentional, everyday moments can have just as much impact on the outcome of your relationship if left unaddressed. Think: sighing way too loudly when your partner loads the dishwasher “wrong,” rehashing the same argument for the fifth time, or realizing you’ve been scrolling next to each other all night without actually talking. Been there, done that.
Simple interactions affect how safe, seen, and close you feel to your partner, for better or for worse. With this in mind, you might not need to download 20 books or implement a total relationship reset to start working toward positive changes. After coming across a TikTok video by relationship expert Melissa Thompson (@embracingjoynyc on TikTok), I’ve learned that a few small, intentional shifts are all it really takes to embrace a healthier relationship.
Whether you’re navigating constant miscommunication, feeling a little disconnected, or just want to strengthen what’s already good, Thompson offers these six practical tips designed to help you reset your patterns and feel more connected. By the end of the week, your relationship will feel entirely different—not because of any big, dramatic change or breakthrough, but because you spent intentional time building emotional connections and security.
1. Put your phone down for 10 minutes when you reunite
The first moment you see each other after a long day sets the tone for the rest of your time together. 10 phone-free minutes of real attention can take your interaction from passive to connected and grounded. So, instead of saying “Hi!” and then resuming your post-work doom-scroll session, make eye contact, hug each other, and engage in a quick check-in. According to Thompson, this screen-free pause helps regulate and sync your nervous system through tone, facial expression, and presence. You’re telling your partner that they matter more than whatever’s on your screen, and, to be honest, that’s hard to come by these days, no matter who you’re interacting with. It’s such an easy yet powerful way to connect and be present with each other.
2. Seek emotional honesty when conflict arises
A lot of arguments aren’t actually about what you’re arguing over. “Why didn’t you text me back?” usually means “I missed you,” “I felt ignored,” or “I got in my head and needed reassurance.” This is why Thompson urges that you start “saying the thing beneath the thing.” In this instance, this could sound like “I didn’t hear back from you last night, and I missed you.” This shift makes all the difference in the level of either defensiveness or understanding that follows. So, before a silly argument, pause and ask yourself what you’re truly seeking—maybe it’s reassurance, more quality time together, or more affection. This is how you can create closeness with emotional honesty, instead of pushing each other away with surface-level frustration. Clarity inspires connection and turns what could be another argument into a moment of real intimacy.
3. Repair conflict within 24 hours
Not every disagreement needs a full sit-down talk, but letting tension linger almost always makes things worse. “You don’t need a perfect apology. You just need ownership on both sides,” says Thompson. A repair can be simple and still powerful: “Hey, I didn’t love how that felt between us,” “I’m sorry I snapped,” or even, “Can we reset?” Those small offers for reconnection signal accountability and remind partners that they’re on the same team. Couples who repair quickly—especially during moments of stress—build deeper trust over time because they show each other that conflict doesn’t threaten the relationship.
4. Do one small act of care each day
Don’t get me wrong—I love a big romantic gesture as much as the next girl, but tiny, everyday acts of service can actually strengthen a relationship way more effectively than one-off gestures. So, if you feel like your relationship could use a little boost, focus on implementing one intentional small act of care each day. Think: Making their coffee the way they like it, sending a “thinking of you” text, or even just plugging in their phone. Those moments don’t go unnoticed. They add up, create consistency, increase emotional safety, and help build secure attachment.
5. Pause when you feel triggered or activated
When emotions are heightened, logic usually goes out the window. If you feel your heart racing, your jaw tightening, or the urge to say something you’ll regret, that’s your cue to pause. Taking a few deep breaths, stepping away for a minute, or even saying “I need a second to calm down” can stop you from saying the thing you don’t mean and stop a minor issue from turning into a full-blown fight. This pause helps couples repair faster, fight less, and protect the connection even in the middle of conflict, according to Thompson.
6. Share one appreciation every night
Ending the day on a positive note sounds cheesy, but it works. Sharing one thing you appreciated about your partner—no matter how small—helps shift focus to what’s going right in your relationship. Some nights the appreciation might be meaningful and emotional, like “I felt really supported by you today,” and other nights it might be simple and practical, such as “Thanks for doing the dishes.” Either way, Thompson reminds us that “Appreciation is rocket fuel for long-term connection,” and when practiced consistently, it helps your relationship feel safer and more resilient.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
The post 6 Expert-Backed Ways to Have a Healthier Relationship by the End of the Week appeared first on The Everygirl.
