As a psychotherapist, I often hear couples say, "We're doing everything right—we have regular date nights, and we even know each other's love language. But, still, our relationship seems to be on the rocks." What they often fail to realize is that their positive habits can't fully compensate for the damaging habits they unknowingly engage in.

Throughout my years of practice, I've observed that mentally strong couples go beyond cultivating good habits. They consciously avoid those unhealthy patterns that could harm their bond. As I share in my book, 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do, here are the habits that set mentally strong couples apart.

Whether they face a sudden financial hiccup or experience issues related to intimacy, mentally strong couples address their problems head-on. They engage in difficult conversations and confront their issues, regardless of the discomfort it might bring. By working together to find solutions early on, they prevent their problems from escalating.

Mentally strong couples respect each other's privacy, like allowing one another to have private conversations with friends. However, they draw the line at keeping secrets. They’re honest about everything, whether it’s how much they really spent on an item or the fact that a co-worker has been flirting with them. They prioritize open discussion over potential discomfort because they understand that trust is the foundation of their relationship.

Mentally strong couples know the importance of setting........

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