Staying connected with one another in a relationship is crucial, yet it doesn't necessarily require big gestures or elaborate situations.
In fact, some of the smallest things can leave the biggest impact on your relationship. Gestures you can put into practice each and every day can build connections while letting your partner know you care.
Careers, kids, illness, family and friends can all scream for your attention, and your relationship may have just been put on the back burner too long. The effort you put into your relationship will be one of the biggest factors to determine whether you can improve your connection.
So, how can you practice acts of connection daily, and boost your communication with your partner and strength in your relationship?
Create Connection Rituals
Building a connection takes time, and it takes routine. The romance that came easily early in a relationship fades primarily because we quit prioritizing the daily acts of service and connection that was effortless then.
As time goes on, you may have to work at it a bit more. Some couples think this means that they are falling out of love, or that planning takes the spontaneity out of it. However, it is more about shifting your attention and engaging in "maintenance" before the relationship is in need of serious repair.
Sometimes, you have to make time for routine. For some couples, this might include 15 minutes every morning to talk to each other over a cup of coffee. Or, it might include talking every night after the kids go to bed.
Finding these little routines throughout the day can make feeling more connected seem more manageable without becoming overwhelming.
Show Small Signs of Affection
A strained connection often lets physical affection fall out the window. But, little signs of affection are a big deal! Again, building routines and rituals around these little signs of affection are the best way to go.
This could be anything from giving your partner a kiss before they leave for work, or cuddling with them while watching tv every night before bed.
Tell Your Partner You’re Thinking About Them
Sometimes, keeping that spark alive can be as simple as letting your partner know they’re on your mind throughout the day. It’s easier than ever in today’s world, thanks to so many advancements in technology.
Something as simple as a text message in the middle of the day can spark more of a connection between you and your partner. When someone knows you’re thinking about them, it’s easy for them to feel closer to you, even if they’re far away!
When your partner gets home or has a chance to talk with you, they’ll already undoubtedly feel that connection before you even have a chance to speak. It’s a great “preface” to any conversation.
Shared Activities
Early on in your relationship you probably did much more together. Even if your hobbies and interests are different now, planning some shared activities together can provide an opportunity for more connection.
Making a regular date night can be a good idea. Rediscover old hobbies or try out new ones. Smaller examples even include doing yard work together, going for a walk or bike ride, or even grocery shop together to get ingredients for favorite meal.
Check-In Regularly
One of the best ways to stay connected to your partner is to check in with them on a regular basis. Ask them how they’re feeling. It can be as simple as asking them about their day or getting into deeper conversations.
These check-ins will help you both to feel close to one another. If you do them regularly, they can keep you from feeling distant or as though you’re not being heard or understood.
It’s not uncommon for people in a relationship to sometimes feel as though the spark has dwindled, or that their connection isn’t what it used to be.
The bottom line? Relationships take work. You actually may just be in different places now than you were when you first got together, and that can have an impact on your connection.
If you’re having trouble doing just that, feel free to contact me. Together, we can come up with more effective ways to practice connecting with your partner each day. Once you start to develop more rituals, they’ll become habits, and you will end up doing those things with your partner without overthinking it at first. So, your connection can eventually become stronger than ever.
If you would like some help figuring out more ways to connect and build a closer relationship, please contact me.
Contact Me
I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:
- Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
- Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
- Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
- Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and wellbeing.
- I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides an increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.
You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
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