Happy Together

Happy Together is written by two of the world’s most renowned psychologists, and it explores the concept of love and relationships by teaching its readers how to build and maintain happy, flourishing connections and how to optimize their couple life by focusing on the good and healthily dealing with the bad.

The authors suggest that relationships work can be associated with our workout routines at the gym. A successful marriage requires constantly showing up, improving the weaker areas, and doing so, continuing to keep on seeing results. When you get to see the positive effects of the excellent routine you’ve followed, you’ll keep on wanting to follow it through.

The same goes for a marriage. When you see how certain things function well for you and your partner, you’ll want to introduce those in your “routine” frequently. For example, let’s say you find that you reconnect with your partner best if you go on a weekly date. Therefore, make it a habit and stick to it. Doing so will help you bond and keep the love alive. After all, it’s effortless to fall in love but more difficult to stay that way.

The philosophy behind this concept goes back to ancient times. Stoics believed in the idea of pursuing a good habit consistently, till you find pleasure in doing it and they become essentially the same thing, or as they say – “until the will to good becomes a disposition to good.” Make it a habit to care for your partner and actively spend time and create memories with them, and have them compete with your level of dedication to make a beautiful and natural way of living with each other.

To transform your relationship for the better, the authors developed a formula for success – SNAP. These acronyms come from four principles that everyone should implement in their relationship: Start Strong. No exceptions. Always act. Practice exercising the will. Now, let’s see what these pieces of advice are all about—starting vital means being firm when you commit to your new goal. You can do so by stating your intentions publicly. Your friends and family can only support you if they know your preferences, and it’s much more challenging to go back on your word after everyone is expecting you to accomplish something. No exceptions imply taking no days off from our goals. When we indulge ourselves in breaks or sure special treats, we tend to lose focus and restart the process all over again. Always act means satisfying our intentions to follow the proper habits. Even if we’re not in the mood and find it annoying to start. To practice the will is to choose to do something challenging…