We all want a happy relationship – but why does it seem some couples are happier than others? We see them together, holding hands, enjoying time together and sometimes it can make us feel like we are doing something wrong where our own relationship is concerned.

The truth is, having a happy relationship is as simple as obeying the basic rules of the road. So let’s practice up on some of those basic driving skills and begin driving in the right direction, with nothing but sunny days on the horizon:

Stop
Happy couples know that they have to take time to stop and make time for their relationship. Daily lives can be busy, but stopping doesn’t have to be for hours. Just making dinner together, walking the dog in the morning or doing a crossword in bed at night gives couples that extra connect time they need. It is important to come to a complete stop and nurture the relationship a little each day, no matter how busy life can be.

Do Not Pass
A happy couple radiates a glow because they aren’t in competition with each other, nor are they putting their needs before their partner’s needs. A true, healthy couple respects the partnership as a team at all times.

Do not pass means that no one is more important than the other. Neither mate’s needs are left behind in the dirt. A happy couple will drive side-by-side most days. Sometimes, one will be behind the other and vice versa. But what they will never do is accelerate and leave the other in the rear view mirror.

Obey The Speed Limit
Another characteristic of happy couples is that they live in the moment. Sure, they may have future dreams or goals, but they are in no hurry because they are content and elated in the here and now.

These partners will gladly take things a day at a time and don’t believe for a minute that they need to speed up to get to the future quicker. Recognizing every day as a gift, they are in no rush to see life fly by. Simply, they are enjoying the view at an even, steady pace.

Slippery Road Ahead
Happy couples are actually human beings – which means they will encounter challenges, conflict [1] and life experiences like everyone else. The difference is that these couples recognize and work proactively on challenges, not overreact when life becomes difficult.

Just like one should take precautions when a slippery road lies ahead sign appears, a happy couple takes precautions, too. They communicate effectively, problem-solve together and support one another when an unavoidable “accident” occurs.

No Parking
Finally, the last rule of the road happy couples follow is “no parking.” Of course, life can’t be one exciting second after another every day – people do need to work and have a lot of daily obligations and challenges – even happy couples.

But one thing these healthy couples know is that allowing the relationship to just sit and become mundane will not lead to happy partners. Doing the same routine, day after day, isn’t stimulating to anyone. Coming home from work, eating dinner, watching the same shows on TV then going to bed won’t keep a relationship fresh and exciting.

Happy couples will turn off that TV and go take a walk [2], play a game on the patio, or go grab an ice cream cone. Explore your romantic sides by simply reciting love quotes [3] to each other now and then as a reminder of your feelings for one another. Quality of time is what they know is important, not quantity – busy lives aren’t allowed as an excuse. They refuse to put their relationship into park and just leave it sitting there.

So to be a happy couple, just start obeying the simple rules of the road like healthy couples do. Open the garage, put it in drive and start navigating your way on the highway of happiness.