Latest news with #Nasserzadeh
CNBC
15-07-2025
- Health
- CNBC
Successful couples have this one weekly habit: It's ‘my utmost recommendation,' relationship expert says
Successful couples check in with each other on a daily basis. Even if it's just five minutes to tell each other one good thing and one bad thing that happened, the habit ensures that "a day doesn't go by that one person went through something and the other doesn't know," says sexuality and relationship expert Sara Nasserzadeh. And there are weekly habits Nasserzadeh recommends couples pick up as well. One such habit, for example, is what she calls the "walk and talk." Here's what that looks like and why she thinks it's effective. A "walk and talk" is exactly what it sounds like: To the extent it's possible for the given couple, they take a walk and talk about an issue in their shared life. Nasserzadeh, who is also the author of "Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love", recommends having a "couple's jar." Throughout the week, if there is anything one person in the couple wants to talk to the other about, they can write it down, put it in the jar and pick one at random before they head out on a walk. "It could be planning for the next vacation, it could be some tiff that happened," she says. If there's a conversation the couple should prioritize, the walk is a good time for it to happen. If the issue gets resolved, they can move on to the next issue the following week. If not, they can keep hammering it out until they've reached a resolution. "Limit it to one hour so it doesn't linger forever," she says. This tactic, Nasserzadeh says, is effective in solving problems and helping a couple move forward because during a "walk and talk," there is stimulation of both sides of the brain. When that happens, "the nervous system is calmer," she says, which can make the couple more receptive. "They are not offended as easily. They are not as defensive as they might usually be." It means they can both have an easier time solving the problem check it off their list of things to work on together. As far as building a successful relationship goes, this practice is "my utmost recommendation," she says.
CNBC
09-07-2025
- General
- CNBC
Successful couples do these 4 things in the morning: 'That little hello goes a long way,' relationship expert says
Among the habits of successful couples is overcommunication. Specifically, successful couples express empathy and appreciation for one another on a regular basis, Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of "13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do," previously told CNBC Make It. They use phrases like "it's understandable you feel that way" or "let's find a solution." There are also some habits that successful couples pick up in the morning that can strengthen their relationships as well. Here's what Morin and sexuality and relationship expert, Sara Nasserzadeh, recommend. First, there's what Nasserzadeh calls "basic etiquette." When you see your partner first thing in the morning, basic etiquette is as simple as greeting them. "That little hello in the morning goes a long way," she says. It signals, "I see you. You're alive. I'm alive. I appreciate you." "You will be amazed how many couples don't do that," she says, but it's a powerful way to fortify that emotional connection. Nasserzadeh, who is also the author of "Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love," recommends doing a small, loving gesture that makes your partner's morning routine a little easier. "Some couples make coffee for one another," she says. "Some couples put the robe out for the other person." Some couples put out a bowl for the other person's granola or fill up the kettle so they can make tea. Whatever the gesture, these little actions say, "I go out of my way for you," she says. "I celebrate you today. I acknowledge that you're in this relationship with me." Successful couples also make time for each other in the morning — even if that means simply having coffee together for a few minutes. "It's all about just having that connection," says Morin. "And when you have a ritual, it makes sure that you continue to connect on a regular basis." This habit also gives the couple something to look forward to and ensures the relationship has its own unique rituals. And it reinforces that they're prioritizing each other. It reminds each member of the couple that "even though the day might be stressful or I have a lot to do, I need to make time for this because this is what really matters," she says. Finally, successful couples include physical affection in their morning routine. "Just giving your partner a kiss before you leave for work can be really important for your relationship," says Morin. Same goes for a hug. It shows that despite the chaos of the morning, you're still prioritizing this one moment you can share together. The chemical effects of this kind of interaction have also long been documented. "We know that those feel good hormones [like oxytocin] can be released when you show physical affection to each other," she says, "which then enforces your bond and makes you want to grow closer together."
