Secrets of Happy Relationships

In a world where 40 percent of marriages end in divorce you´re still able to notice them: happy couples. There they are, finishing each other's sentences or laughing in some dusky corner of a bar. They seem so wonderfully in sync, and they make the work of being a couple seem effortless. Of course, no intimate relationship ever is, especially once you factor in life's built-in pressures, like deadlines and urgent appointments.

But there are certain core values that make some marriages more intimate and resilient than others. You could probably predict the list: trust, mutual respect, commitment and a strong sense of "we" in the relationship. When you ask loving husbands and wives about the key to their devotion you'll hear the same things, specific habits that mirror these values. We collected them for you as a guide to happy relationship:

Be tender

You may find it cloyingly sweet when you overhear other couples talking like 2-year-olds, sharing silly inside jokes, but this type of endearments are actually a sign of a healthy rapport. Pet names for example take you back either to the happy childhood you had or the one you wish you had and signal a safe, supportive environment.

Be playful

Of all the variables in a relationship - from commitment to communication - the amount of fun couples have together is the strongest factor in determining their overall marital happiness. Time spent playing together is an "investment in the relationship" which provides a relaxed intimacy that strengthens the bond between two people.

Be connective

Staying connected to parents is a healthy sign even you have to separate from your family of origin. Many people who are getting divorced say their partners weren´t talking to them but to their parents. You need to know where your attachment to parents ends and your love for your mate begins. So solving problems means start talking about it with your partner first.