Need a Relationship Tune-Up?
Need a Relationship Tune-Up?
When we look at relationships that improve over time compared to ones that don’t, one factor stands out: time spent together. Couples who prioritize each other are more likely to stay together and to have higher happiness levels. Focusing on each other without distractions is key, and in today’s world, that takes a lot of intention. Building habits and traditions around time together help make it a constant and might avoid the need for damage control. It’s easier to keep a relationship connected than it is to fix it once things have deteriorated!
What does it look like when you’re prioritizing enough time for your relationship?
Good communication is key, and it’s easier to have positive communication when we make time for it. Check out these two past blogs about how we can all be better listeners and how we can make sure we’re talking about the harder topics as well as checking in on schedules and shared interests.
Make Sure You Talk About the Hard Stuff
When we talk about habits and traditions, we’re considering things like having a ritual when you separate for the day or come home (which might even just be a quick embrace), daily check-ins, holiday traditions, game nights, cooking dinner together on certain days, regular exercise together, shared hobbies or activities, etc. Every couple is unique, so the little things they build into their relationship to spend time together are going to look different.
One of the more effective rituals to make sure you have frequent, scheduled, uninterrupted time together is planning regular date nights. We know this can be difficult with young children, or if you have opposite work schedules, but even if it's only once a month for now (with the goal of making them more frequent when life allows) it’s still going to strengthen your relationship and help you prioritize time together.
If you look online, there are countless resources for date night ideas. Here are a few of the more unique favorites:
Stargazing Evening:
Pack a picnic and head to a nearby park or open space, snuggle up on a blanket, and lose yourselves in the wonder of the stars.
Food Truck Exploration:
Dive into the local food truck scene for a spontaneous culinary journey, sampling a diverse array of dishes.
Spontaneous Music Night:
Keep an eye out for impromptu concerts or open mic events nearby, adding a dash of spontaneity to your evening.
Art Workshops:
Attend an art jamming workshop for a creative date, or create your own painting night at home with canvases and brushes.
Home Karaoke Extravaganza:
Transform your living room into a karaoke stage for a lively night of singing your hearts out to favorite tunes.
Thrift Store Adventure:
Craft a list of unique items and embark on a whimsical scavenger hunt through a local thrift store.
We get into relationships because we like each other, but life has some challenges, and it’s easy to grow apart if we’re not intentional about spending time together and prioritizing each other. If you need more great ideas about growing closer, come chat with me during my free office hours on Facebook every 2nd and 4th Saturday at 11 AM MST, or contact me on my website.