Relationship satisfaction can be improved with small cognitive shifts called "love hacks." These involve changing one's internal narrative rather than external realities, such as adopting a "growth mindset" about compatibility or reinterpreting a partner's negative behavior more charitably (e.g., as situational rather than characterological).

Deep intimacy is not a passive state but an active skill that requires practice. Difficult emotional work, like apologizing first, will feel clumsy initially, just like learning an instrument. Gracefulness and effectiveness only come through consistent repetition and treating it as a formal practice.

Couples often won't change unless they're in a crisis because comfort breeds inertia. A counterintuitive therapeutic technique is to intentionally apply pressure to "put them in crisis," forcing the couple out of their comfort zone to confront issues and make necessary changes.

Discovering what you genuinely enjoy requires breaking out of your corporate mindset, much like physical therapy for a forgotten muscle. You must force yourself into uncomfortable, unfamiliar situations—like free tango classes or random online courses—to build the 'muscle memory' for passion and exploration.

The idea that scheduling kills romance is a myth. A recurring, structured check-in prevents small issues from festering into major conflicts. This foundation of safety and alignment is what truly allows for genuine playfulness, humor, and spontaneity to flourish within the relationship.

Many are drawn to "chemical attraction"—an intense rush often rooted in trauma bonds. A healthier foundation is "safety attraction," where you feel emotionally and psychologically safe to be your authentic self. This shift from chasing a high to seeking safety is critical for lasting relationships.

A successful long-term partnership can be maintained with four practices: 1) Prioritize fun over rehearsing grievances. 2) Pray or meditate together to align spiritually. 3) Always make eye contact during conversations. 4) 'Always Be Touching' (ABT) to maintain physical connection.

In a world hyper-optimized for convenience and efficiency, true romance is a disruptive force. It defies schedules, logic, and productivity. If a relationship fits perfectly into a pre-planned life without causing any friction or spontaneity, it may be lacking the essential, inconvenient spark of passion.

Conflict avoidance is not a sign of a healthy relationship. True intimacy is built through cycles of 'rupture and repair,' where disagreements are used as opportunities for deeper understanding. A relationship without conflict may be fragile, as its ability to repair has never been tested.