This new year you and your partner decided that making your relationship a priority ought to take center stage. And that’s a great decision which will be very beneficial to your relationship, not just this year, but in the long-run.
However, you both lead busy lives.
Thus, it can truly be a struggle staying connected to one another on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes, you might be lucky even to get in a few words to each other face-to-face. This, even though you both know that you love each other.
If you have the desire to prioritize your relationship but are wondering what the next step should be, consider the following tips.
Do Something Together… Now!
What if you both decided to do something together? Today.
This can actually be a tall order for many people to pull off. Everyone is so over-scheduled each day that trying to do something spontaneous winds up being a major problem. But it shouldn’t be!
In order to push back against the all-mighty schedule, it’s necessary to embrace a certain degree of spontaneity. When the moment arises and both of you have a little free time, seize it!
To be ready, maybe have a few ideas tucked away just in case the stars do align. Think of them as ready-to-go date nights. Of course, the other way to make dates happen is to carve out the time that you can both spend together in your calendars.
“How Are You Doing?”
Too often when couples do get together, the talk turns to work. Or it’s about the kids. But what if you each just asked how the other is doing?
It’s a simple question, but it also has profound meaning. Now, instead of focusing on external concerns, you are placing your interest in your partner’s well-being at the fore. Asking “How are you doing?” sends the message that, first-and-foremost, you care about your partner.
And that’s an easy, yet radical, idea that can really help both of you with staying connected.
Share Your Activities
Besides date night, you and your partner can do many things together to better stay connected in the new year.
For example:
- Go on an adventure together: either an urban escape or a trip to the woods.
- Have new experiences: visit that new restaurant down the street.
- Tackle a challenge: escape room date, anyone?
- Take it slow: a trip to the mini-golf course is a good idea.
All of these ideas have two things in common. One is that you and your partner are physically participating together in a shared activity. These are not stay-at-home movie dates.
The second is that they require you both to communicate with one another. Watching a TV show is an easy idea. However, it means that you are both looking away from one another, and don’t have to talk. That doesn’t help with building a strong relationship.
Use Technology Wisely When Making Your Relationship a Priority
Speaking of TV, technology, in general, has become a much-debated issue when it comes to the health of relationships. On the one hand, it allows you to stay connected by sending a text message to your partner or doing a video call.
On the other hand, it has also been shown to be a big distraction, particularly cell phones. It’s just a few taps of the screen to get drawn into something interesting. Yet, that doesn’t help you build a lasting relationship.
Thus, when you are considering one specific goal for prioritizing your relationship in the new year, think about limiting your cell phone use.
For example:
- Designate common areas in the home, as well as the bedroom, as screen-free zones.
- Agree not to look at your phones during meals, including at restaurants.
- Set a time you both agree on to power down your devices for the evening.
- Use apps to limit the amount of time you are on social media platforms.
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Making your relationship a priority in the new year is a good goal. One that you can aim for every year. Consider using the tips mentioned above for staying connected to one another.
However, if you are still struggling to improve your relationship, reach out to me to find out how couples counseling can help you with issues more specific to you as a couple.
