Volunteer as a couple: secret of happy relationships
American writer Helen Adams Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Though her words did not refer to volunteering, this quotation is the best description of how charity made by couples boosts level of happiness in relationships. If you hesitate whether to start volunteering together with your partner, let’s think which advantages you may get.
1. Find common ground
When you firstly met, a spark jumped and you felt tightly connected. But the passing of time brings a sense of emptiness. Even happy couples who really love each other sometimes think if they have made a right choice. Why does this question arise? It happens because at the beginning of relationships we find a lot in common (or even pretend to be similar). Actually, differences are papered over but by no means are they fully resolved. As time goes by, you might feel your partner has changed, and you have disparate interests.
Believe us, that’s fine. But we know how to solve this problem! Start volunteering, and you will see new horizons opened! Just imagine, together you visit elderly people, discuss what should be done for those in need. You search for homeless dogs and care about them. Or you move cities to read lectures on the subject you know well. Not only can you create a lot of new impressions! You also feel capable of serving others, and this help is really appreciated!
2. Enjoy your partner’s beauty
Have you ever had such a situation? You started dating a person, and your partner seems incredibly attractive. Whatever he/she says is amazing. Whatever he/she does is fantastic. The sense of humor is great, the jokes are fun. But in the long run you understand you have a different opinion on what you have agreed before. Your partner has flaws and sometimes he/she says stupid things. You are irritated and annoyed, well, is there any way to save relationships? Of course!
When you volunteer as a couple, everyday you see how beautiful your partner is. You are accompanied by the most generous, kind, and compassionate person in the world! He/she always thinks about others, and those whom you help can’t help speaking about that!
When we spend days with the person, we forget how magnificent your partner is. We show to each other not only positive but also negative personality traits. But volunteering is always about revealing kindness of heart.
3. No time for arguments
Volunteering makes you busy. At the same time, you have to be highly attentive and care about feelings of others. By volunteering as a couple, you will have so much to discuss and perform that arguments and finger-pointing seems totally useless!
In 2014 Michael Poulin from University of Buffalo made a survey among 850 people. Scientist asked two questions:
- What’s the level of stress they had during one year;
- How much time they spent volunteering.
According to the results, each negative event or drama increased by 30% the personal rate of mortality. But in case respondents dedicated themselves to volunteering, this risk came to a screeching halt. As the scientist explained, it happened because of oxytocin that makes a supportive influence on heart.
Being stressed, we are often start blazing row and argue with our partner. This time, try another approach. Too sick and tired? Feel insecure? Experience apathy? Go volunteering together!
Happiness doubles when you serve others. By the way, volunteering as a couple does not mean you will forget about each other! With 1HOUR, you can dedicate 1 hour daily. Let your relationships become even better!
