Think back to the beginning of your relationship with your spouse or significant other.
How did we connect with one another? For some, we spent hours chatting over coffee or on the phone. Others, we choose to be engaged in activities and events we would never consider doing if it wasn’t for our partner. At times, just simply being together could be extremely fulfilling.
We get older. Maybe we have kids. We are busy.
Through the many stages of life – building a family, having a successful career, caring for elderly parents -creating connection with your partner can become complicated. The key? Intentionality. Again, I challenge you to think back to the beginning of your relationship. What things did you do, naturally, to feel close to your partner? Intentionally make space for some of these things again.
Talk and Listen
Not to respond but to connect and understand.
Engage in Your Partner’s activities and Hobbies
Axe throwing anyone?
Create or Continue Traditions and Rituals
Making cookies on Christmas eve.
Be Spontaneous
Perhaps pick up her favorite bottle of wine on the way home from work.
Allow for Laughter, Show Affection, Honor One Another’s Emotions
Check In
Do you still know his favorite food, band, football team?
Celebrate Each Other
Successes, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Dream Together
Do you still share a common goal, mission, or lifelong dream? A beach house?
Intentionality, paired with purposeful connection creating will strengthen your relationship bond which will, in turn, help maintain a healthy relationship.
A graduate of Evangelical Seminary’s accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program and recipient of Rev. and Mrs. Alfred J. Corby Award for academic excellence exemplary competency in marriage and family therapy, Bethanie is a pre-licensed professional who desires to see reconciliation and health in relationships.