Quick Answer
The 10 daily habits that strengthen relationships are: the 6-second kiss, expressing daily appreciation, asking meaningful questions, non-sexual physical touch, greeting and parting with intention, device-free meals, acts of service, sharing something vulnerable, turning toward your partner's bids for attention, and ending the day connected. Start with 2-3 habits and add more over time.
The strongest relationships aren't built on grand romantic gestures. They're built on small, consistent daily habits that create trust, intimacy, and connection over time.
Research from relationship scientists like Dr. John Gottman shows that it's the "small things often" — not the "big things rarely" — that predict relationship success.
Here are 10 daily habits that can transform your relationship, backed by science and practical enough to start today.
1. The 6-Second Kiss
Dr. Gottman recommends a kiss lasting at least 6 seconds — long enough to feel connected but short enough to do every day. Most couples peck goodbye in under a second. That extra time signals "you matter to me."
Try it before leaving for work, when reuniting at the end of the day, and before bed.
2. Express Appreciation Daily
Research shows that couples who express gratitude daily report higher relationship satisfaction. It doesn't need to be elaborate — a simple "thank you for making dinner" or "I appreciate how hard you work" makes a difference.
The key is specificity. "Thanks for everything" is less powerful than "Thank you for listening to me vent about work today."
3. Ask One Meaningful Question
Move beyond "how was your day?" (which often gets answered with "fine"). Ask something that invites reflection:
- "What made you smile today?"
- "What's something you're looking forward to this week?"
- "What's been on your mind that you haven't shared?"
Tip: Apps like Amora send daily questions designed for couples. Each partner answers first, then you see each other's responses — making these conversations natural and easy.
4. Physical Touch Without Agenda
Non-sexual physical affection — a hug, holding hands, a touch on the shoulder — releases oxytocin and creates bonding. Many couples reserve touch for when they want intimacy, which makes casual affection fade over time.
Make a habit of touching your partner at least 5 times a day with no expectation of anything more.
5. Greet and Part with Intention
How you say hello and goodbye sets the tone for your connection. Instead of a distracted wave, make eye contact, smile, and take a moment to really see your partner.
The morning goodbye and evening reunion are critical transition points. Make them count.
6. Share a Meal Without Screens
Studies show that couples who eat together without screens report higher relationship satisfaction. One device-free meal per day — whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner — creates space for conversation.
Put phones in another room, not just face-down on the table.
7. Do Something for Them Without Being Asked
Small acts of service — making coffee, taking out the trash, handling a task they hate — communicate "I see you and I care." The key is doing it without expecting acknowledgment.
Pay attention to what your partner complains about or avoids, then quietly handle it.
8. Share Something Vulnerable
Intimacy grows through vulnerability. Share something that reveals who you are: a fear, a dream, a memory, a struggle. You don't need to have deep conversations every day, but one vulnerable share per day keeps intimacy alive.
9. Turn Toward, Not Away
Throughout the day, your partner makes "bids" for your attention — a comment, a question, a sigh. Research shows that happy couples turn toward these bids 86% of the time. Unhappy couples turn toward only 33%.
When your partner shares something, put down what you're doing and engage. Even a simple "tell me more" counts.
10. End the Day Connected
Before sleep, take a moment to connect. Share the best part of your day. Say "I love you" and mean it. If there's tension, acknowledge it and commit to addressing it tomorrow — don't let resentment build overnight.
How to Make These Habits Stick
Don't try to implement all 10 at once. Pick 2-3 that feel natural and practice them for a week. Then add more. Habits compound — small consistent actions create massive change over time.
The goal isn't perfection. It's showing up for your partner a little bit better each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for new relationship habits to feel natural?
Research suggests habits take about 66 days on average to become automatic. But you'll likely notice positive changes in your relationship within the first 1-2 weeks of consistent practice.
What if my partner doesn't participate in these habits?
Start by modeling the behavior yourself. When your partner sees you being more intentional, they often reciprocate naturally. Focus on what you can control.
Which habit should I start with if I can only pick one?
Start with expressing daily appreciation. It's simple, takes seconds, and immediately changes how your partner feels seen and valued. It's also contagious — appreciation tends to be reciprocated.
Build daily connection habits
Amora helps couples build relationship habits that stick. A daily question, a shared journal, and stories just for the two of you. Start your free trial today.