# What are some good things to do for an anniversary?

itraveledthere.io · August 5, 2026

> Couples who engage in novel and challenging activities together on their anniversary tend to report higher relationship satisfaction. This is because...

Couples who engage in novel and challenging activities together on their anniversary tend to report higher relationship satisfaction.

This is because novel experiences trigger the brain's reward and attachment systems, strengthening the bond between partners.

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The human sense of smell is closely tied to memory and emotion.

Incorporating scents associated with early stages of the relationship, such as the perfume/cologne worn on the first date, can evoke nostalgia and feelings of closeness.

Participating in physical activities, like dancing or hiking, releases endorphins that can enhance mood and intimacy.

These activities also require coordination and teamwork, further reinforcing the partnership.

Couples who express gratitude towards each other, either through words or thoughtful gestures, report greater relationship satisfaction on their anniversary.

This triggers the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone."

Recreating a special moment or location from the relationship's history, such as the site of the first kiss or proposal, can trigger the brain's contextual memory and sense of continuity, strengthening the couple's bond.

Studies show that experiences, rather than material gifts, tend to lead to longer-lasting happiness and relationship satisfaction.

Experiential gifts, like tickets to a concert or a cooking class, create shared memories.

Couples who try new activities together on their anniversary report higher levels of relationship excitement and reduced boredom, as novel experiences stimulate the brain's reward and novelty-seeking systems.

The brain's reward system is activated when couples engage in acts of kindness towards each other, such as planning a surprise or doing a chore the other person usually handles.

This reinforces feelings of appreciation and commitment.

Couples who regularly engage in self-disclosure and vulnerability on their anniversary tend to report greater intimacy and relationship satisfaction, as these behaviors build trust and emotional closeness.

The "seven-year itch" phenomenon is a myth; research shows that relationship satisfaction tends to follow a U-shaped curve, with declines in the early years followed by stabilization and even increases over time.

Couples who engage in both low-arousal (e.g., cuddling) and high-arousal (e.g., adventurous activities) behaviors on their anniversary report greater relationship satisfaction, as this variety meets different emotional needs.

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