7 things people in happy relationships never take for granted

There’s a stark difference between taking things for granted and truly appreciating them.

The difference is all about mindfulness. Being taken for granted implies a lack of awareness or recognition, like a background noise you’ve grown so used to, you barely notice it anymore.

Appreciation, on the other hand, requires conscious attention. It’s the intentional act of noticing and valuing what’s right in front of you, whether it’s a person, a situation, or even a feeling.

In the context of happy relationships, this appreciation is vital. And those who have found joy in their partnerships know that there are certain elements they never overlook.

Here are seven things people in happy relationships never take for granted.

These pointers aren’t just about building strong bonds with your significant other—they’re also about fostering successful connections in your business and personal life.

After all, appreciation is a universal language that resonates across all aspects of our lives.

1) Time together

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s no secret that time is a precious commodity.

For people in happy relationships, this commodity is never taken for granted. They understand that time spent together isn’t just another block on the calendar—it’s a chance to connect, communicate, and strengthen their bond.

This isn’t about extravagant date nights or expensive trips. It’s about simple, everyday moments: sharing a meal, discussing a book, or even just enjoying a quiet evening on the couch.

These moments aren’t just filler between significant events—they are the threads that weave the fabric of a relationship.

In the context of business and personal life, this translates to valuing and making the most of every interaction you have. After all, connections are built over time, not in a single moment.

So, whether it’s with your partner or your team at work, remember to cherish the time you spend together. It’s these moments that form the foundation of strong, lasting relationships.

2) Open communication

I’ve always believed that open communication is the bedrock of any strong relationship, be it personal or professional.

Let me share a personal example. Early in my marriage, my wife and I faced a common dilemma—balancing our work schedules with quality time together.

We both were engrossed in our respective careers and found ourselves on a path where we were more like busy roommates than a married couple.

We realised that this wasn’t what we wanted, so we decided to have a heart-to-heart talk about it. We laid our cards on the table, discussed our concerns, and brainstormed solutions.

It was through this open and honest communication that we were able to establish a routine that allowed us to pursue our careers while ensuring that we spent quality time together.

The lesson I learned is that open communication is integral to the success and happiness of any relationship. It’s all about expressing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns in an honest yet respectful way.

And guess what? This principle applies just as much to your business partnerships and team dynamics as it does to your personal relationships.

In essence, open communication is never taken for granted in happy and successful relationships. It is valued, nurtured, and continuously worked upon.

3) Prioritizing each other

In flourishing relationships, another key element that is never taken for granted is the act of prioritizing one another. This goes beyond the occasional grand gesture—it’s a daily commitment to put your partner’s needs, feelings, and well-being at the forefront of your decisions.

Interestingly, researchers have found that couples who consciously prioritize each other tend to have more stable and satisfying relationships.

A study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley found that couples who regularly engage in “costly pro-social behavior“—that is, actions that benefit their partner at a cost to themselves—report higher relationship satisfaction and longevity.

But it’s not just about self-sacrifice. It’s about striking a balance where both partners feel respected, valued, and understood.

In the same vein, in a business context, prioritizing your team members or business partners can foster a more cooperative and harmonious work environment. It leads to better collaboration, higher morale, and increased productivity.

Remember: whether it’s in your personal life or your professional life, making others feel valued should never be taken for granted. It’s one of those simple yet profound actions that can make an enormous difference.

4) Appreciation

It’s the little things that make a big difference. In happy relationships, partners never underestimate the power of appreciation. They understand that acknowledging each other’s efforts, however small, strengthens their bond and boosts morale.

Appreciation is like a magical ingredient that adds flavor to the relationship. A simple ‘thank you’ for washing the dishes, a heartfelt compliment for a job well done, or a warm hug after a long day – these gestures of gratitude go a long way in keeping the relationship vibrant and happy.

In the business world, this principle holds true as well. A leader who appreciates their team’s efforts fosters a positive work environment that boosts productivity and loyalty.

Even if it’s your partner or your coworker, never take the power of appreciation for granted. It’s an essential factor in maintaining happy and flourishing relationships.

5) Emotional support

There was a time in my life when I was faced with a major career decision. I was offered a great job opportunity, but it meant moving to a different city. The decision was tough, and the fear of the unknown weighed heavily on me.

During this tough time, the unwavering emotional support from my partner was my rock. They listened to my fears, provided comfort, and offered their perspective without imposing their own wishes on me. Their support helped me navigate through the uncertainty and make the decision that was right for me.

Emotional support is a pillar in strong relationships. It’s about being there for each other during tough times, providing comfort, understanding, and reassurance. It’s about being each other’s safe space where vulnerabilities can be shared without fear of judgment.

In the professional world too, providing emotional support to colleagues or employees during challenging times fosters trust and loyalty. It’s a testament to the strength of your relationship.

Whether it’s in your personal life or professional life, never underestimate the power of emotional support. It’s a cornerstone of happy relationships that should never be taken for granted.

6) Personal growth

In thriving relationships, partners never take their personal growth for granted. They understand that in order to be the best version of themselves for each other, they need to continually learn, evolve, and grow as individuals.

This doesn’t just involve pursuing personal interests or hobbies—it’s about setting personal goals, learning new skills, and stepping out of comfort zones. It’s about understanding that personal growth contributes to the health of the relationship.

In the realm of business, this principle is equally important. Successful entrepreneurs and leaders understand that their personal growth directly impacts their business growth. They continuously invest in their learning and development to bring more value to their work.

Therefore, whether it’s in your personal relationship or your professional journey, never take personal growth for granted. It is a vital element of a fulfilling life and happy relationships.

7) Mutual respect

In any successful relationship, mutual respect is paramount. Happy couples understand this and never take it for granted. They value each other’s individuality, opinions, and boundaries.

They understand that respecting their partner is not just about admiring them, but also about treating them with kindness, equality, and dignity.

Mutual respect is the cornerstone of healthy relationships and a harmonious work environment. It fosters open communication, trust, and cooperation—key elements for any successful personal or professional relationship.

So remember, mutual respect isn’t something to be overlooked or taken lightly. It’s a fundamental ingredient in the recipe for happy relationships.

Reflection: The heart of the matter

The essence of a happy relationship often lies in the details—the small, often overlooked aspects that make up the foundation of a strong, enduring bond.

These seven elements—time together, open communication, prioritizing each other, appreciation, emotional support, personal growth, and mutual respect—are the cornerstones of thriving relationships. They are the threads that weave the fabric of love and companionship.

It’s important to remember that these elements do not exist in isolation. They are interconnected, each one influencing and reinforcing the others. The process of nurturing these elements is an ongoing journey—a dynamic dance of love and commitment.

As American philosopher and psychologist William James once said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” Whether it’s in a romantic relationship or a professional partnership, this yearning for recognition and respect is universal.

As you reflect on your own relationships—be they personal or professional—consider these elements. Are they present? Are they nurtured? Are they taken for granted?

It’s often the things we overlook that hold the most value. It’s these subtle threads that truly hold our relationships together.