It’s easy to assume that money is what makes relationships easier or happier. Financial security can certainly reduce stress — and research backs this up — but it’s rarely the thing that makes two people feel truly close. In most relationships, the moments that build the deepest connection are surprisingly small and completely free. Things like feeling heard and offering genuine appreciation matter far more than expensive gifts or luxury trips (although those are nice in their own right), and over time, these habits create the kind of emotional safety and closeness that money alone could never buy.  Here are 7 free little things that make a relationship happier than money ever could: 1. Putting your phone away Cast Of Thousands via Shutterstock If you pay more attention to your partner, you can easily rekindle the spark you lost in your relationship. When you listen to your partner, you show that you truly care about what they say. This, in turn, shows how much you love your significant other. So put down your phone and eliminate any …