Why Your 'Relationship Bank Account' Needs Regular Deposits

It's no surprise at this point that relationships take work. Any strong, healthy, and lasting partnership will require continuous effort from both parties. This is often why people say to never stop dating your spouse. Even after marriage, when couples may feel like they don't need to win their partner over anymore, investing intentional time and energy into your relationship will only reinforce your bond.

Relationship dynamics are everchanging because they have to navigate the ups and downs of life with you. Of course, there may be times when one partner is struggling or going through something challenging and vice versa. Neither partner will be able to give 100% all of the time, which is why having someone there for support can be an amazing thing. However, the vast majority of daily life should feel like you and your partner are making a mutual, joint effort to nourish your relationship.

This is where the idea of a relationship bank account comes in. According to Psychology Today, this metaphorical bank account is a way for couples to keep track of their relationship health by "depositing" positive experiences on a regular basis.

When couples first start dating, the honeymoon phase is often filled with a surge of romantic gestures, fun date ideas, and experiences that feel really bonding. It makes sense why this helps couples fall in love and stay on a healthy trajectory. However, that fund of positive experiences and connectivity will only last so long before it starts to deplete.

If you feel like you've found "the one" that you're meant to be with, it's important to continuously show your partner the love they deserve. Viewing your relationship through the lens of a bank account can help couples see when they are at risk of over drafting. According to Nevada Today, the stresses of daily life can take a toll on your relationship, especially if there isn't open communication.

Stress can be "contagious" and may cause both partners to feel off. What starts out as a partner simply trying to cope with stress internally could lead to a grumpy mood, a small argument, and eventually a disconnected relationship. Since living your daily life with another person inevitably comes with some draining aspects, you'll need to regularly replenish your relationship with intentional acts of love in order to feel secure and avoid emotionally bankrupting your relationship. Luckily, resetting your relationship is easier than you think.

Complacency is often born from a feeling of contentment within your relationship. Once you have reached the place you wanted to get to, whether that's living together or marriage, partners can subconsciously put their relationship on the back burner in their lives. This is why having the right relationship goals is so important. Instead of simply striving toward certain relational milestones in life, a healthier mindset revolves around continual growth.

Individuals grow a lot throughout the years and it's more than possible to grow together with a partner, but navigating those life changes requires communication, commitment, and intentionality: basically the complete opposite of complacency. According to Psych Central, there are specific things that can be done in order to deposit love into your relationship bank account.

It all starts with understanding your partner's love language and implementing romantic gestures with that in mind. If you are wondering how to improve your relationship based on your love language, there are many options. For example, if your partner feels love through acts of service, cooking them dinner can go a long way. If quality time is what they enjoy, walking around the neighborhood together after work can be a great option. Scheduling regular date nights or trying something new and exciting as a couple is also essential. At the end of the day, setting aside time on a regular basis to be alone with your partner will only benefit your relationship.