health
I’m a psychologist who studies couples: People in the happiest relationships do 5 things in the evening—instead of watching TV
Many couples default to watching TV after work. But psychologist and relationship expert Mark Travers says the happiest couples use their evenings in ways that invite a little bit of novelty.
TL;DR
- Leisurely walks outdoors encourage social interaction and bonding, allowing couples to be present with each other without screen distractions.
- Cooking or baking together fosters teamwork, trust, and cooperation, turning a daily necessity into a collaborative and fun activity.
- Playing two-player games satisfies entertainment needs while promoting interaction, shared emotional experiences, and laughter.
- Virtual or in-person dance lessons offer shared rhythm, physical closeness, novelty, and playful interaction, increasing relationship satisfaction.
- Engaging in arts and crafts allows couples to be imperfect, discover new sides of each other, and reintroduce childlike wonder into their routine.