Do you want to get rid of this bad habit? Here are 4 things to put in place

In life together, it happens that a harmful habit sets in without us paying attention to it. Whether it is repeated criticism, a lack of communication or routine behaviors that degrade the relationship, these automatisms can affect the harmony of the couple.

Fortunately, it is possible to correct them by adopting concrete strategies, validated by science. Here are four simple methods to transform your bad habits and strengthen your relationship according to psychologist Arash Emamzadeh, in an article by Psychology Today.

1. Find a positive alternative

Changing a habit starts with replacing it with a beneficial behavior. For example, if you’ve gotten into the habit of responding defensively during disagreements, try taking deep breaths before speaking instead.

This change often takes experimentation to find what works for you. In a relationship, it can be as simple as replacing a criticism with a caring question: “How could I help you better?” “.

2. Reward your efforts

Every small step towards a better relationship dynamic is worth celebrating. After a constructive exchange or an improvement in your interactions, treat yourself to some pleasant time together, such as a walk or a good meal.

This positive association strengthens your motivation to maintain these changes.

3. Change your environment

The environment plays a key role in our habits. If you tend to get distracted by your phone at dinner, try creating an atmosphere conducive to conversation by leaving screens off the table.

Adjusting your living environment to encourage good habits can make a big difference in the quality of your relationship.

4. Add smart constraints

Making bad behavior more difficult for yourself can be an effective strategy. For example, if one of you tends to monopolize the conversation, set rules like taking turns speaking.

These constraints, although mild, can encourage balance in your interactions and limit harmful behaviors.