What is the secret of a happy partnership? You sit across from each other at dinner without saying a word, and you haven't gone out together for ages. Once the infatuation phase is over, the partnership can become hard work - and a crisis can loom. What is the secret recipe for happy couples? How can you strengthen your relationship?

1. accept that your partner is different

What we find interesting at the beginning often bothers us later on. Realize that the other person is not a copy of you. And that's a good thing. A happy partnership is only possible if both partners can develop their personalities freely, precisely BECAUSE the partner is different and therefore offers a balance.

2. always forgive sins completely and utterly

When couples are in a relationship crisis, old stories are always dredged up. The partner once flirted with someone else - and is then constantly reproached for it. Because you never want it to happen again. But: at some point, it's over. You can't see a positive future if you live in the past. A happy partnership requires complete forgiveness.

3. learning to really understand your partner

Most relationships don't fail because you're not compatible, but because you're communicating incorrectly. Do you really know what your partner is thinking and feeling? Talk about it without judging and try to strengthen your relationship with in-depth conversations.

4 Don't expect anything in return: give with joy

Nothing makes you happier than making your partner happy? Good, because that's love. A happy partnership consists of giving, not taking. Only when we constantly weigh things up and expect something in return for everything immediately do we get into a crisis.

5 Trust that: My sweetheart means well with me

Never assume that your partner is acting maliciously. We often form an opinion too quickly and make everything the other person says suit us. Always believe that he wants me to be well.

6 Strengthen the relationship: Specify exactly what needs to change

Many couples constantly tell each other what they don't like about their relationship. It is better to express specific wishes. "I'd love to go dancing again" is better than "You're always just lying on the couch!"

7. make sure that you are doing well

Relationship problems also arise with yourself. If you are constantly unhappy with yourself and keep your head down, you give your partner the feeling that they have something to do with it. Make sure you are happy yourself. Pursue your hobbies or treat yourself to some wellness. Not only you, but also your partner will feel better.

8. hug and touch each other again and again

You can also save your relationship if you both go back to the beginning of your relationship. To a time when you often touched each other tenderly in everyday life or kissed intimately before going out. Now try to integrate these little attentions into your everyday life again. This will show your partner: I want you and you are really important to me.

9. take a break from arguing from time to time

A problem often becomes particularly big because you are constantly talking about it. You end up going round in circles. Ignore it for a while - and talk about all the nice things you still have in common. Take a conscious vacation from the problem.

10. strengthen your relationship: Stand by each other - no matter what happens

It is particularly important to support your partner during a crisis. Badmouth him to friends? Not a good idea! And if others say something negative about him: don't let it pass - he is your partner.

11. make more time for your love life again

If couples no longer have sex, an essential part of the relationship is lost. Sometimes there is a lull in bed because you don't understand the other person. Example: She doesn't want sex because he's not affectionate. He is not affectionate because she doesn't want sex. The solution is to make love despite the crisis - and show the other person that you want them. This can work wonders and save a relationship.

12. surprise with gifts and little things

Small gifts keep the friendship alive - and are also good in a relationship crisis. It could be the scarf that your partner liked so much in the shop window - or a post-it on the mirror that says "I kiss you!".

13. say "I love you" again for once

Nurturing the relationship: Sure, constantly whispering the magic three words in the other person's ear can become trite. But: A sincere "I love you" in a very intimate moment is like balm for the soul and can also save a relationship by reviving old feelings.

14. indulge in old memories together

Remember that summer vacation? Looking at photos together creates a bond - and brings old feelings back to the present.