Deepening Connections: Activities to Strengthen Romantic Partnerships
In the realm of couple work, several therapists and relationship experts have offered valuable insights to help strengthen and reconnect with your partner. Here are some practical tips and suggestions to improve communication, boost physical intimacy, and deepen your connection.
Olga Bloch, a therapist specializing in couple work in Rockville, MD, recommends practicing daily GEMS (Genuine Encounter Moments) to reconnect with your partner. GEMS should ideally take five minutes and involve partners giving each other their undivided attention, with no distractions like phones, TV, or eating. During GEMS, one partner shares something about themselves or their day, while the other partner listens and asks three questions to deepen the conversation.
Giving eye contact can be a simple yet effective way to reconnect. Sharing a special moment, such as making breakfast in bed or a special dinner, can also boost connection. Discussing the challenges and pleasures of the activity can further strengthen the relationship.
Kirsten Jimerson, another therapist specializing in couple work in Bethesda, MD, suggests that couples take a test to determine each other's love languages. Understanding how you best receive and give love can improve communication and strengthen relationships.
For those seeking guidance on improving communication, the book All About Us by Phillip Keel is suggested. Bloch recommends responding to questions in the book to open lines of communication.
Creating sexual games can enhance physical intimacy. Examples include setting a predetermined amount of time for foreplay or role playing and pretending not to know each other. Working on a household chore together and making it into a game can also help reconnect.
Learning something new together can help reconnect partners. This could be learning to salsa dance, playing an instrument, learning a new language, or trying a new form of exercise.
Relationship experts from PaarBalance recommend couples engage in shared activities with the same priority as professional appointments, keep planned dates without postponing indefinitely, and hold calm conversations to share wishes and needs. Strengthening rituals and the sense of "we" can help reconnect and feel closer again.
Lastly, flirting with each other can improve the relationship. Whether it's a playful wink or a romantic gesture, showing affection can help keep the spark alive.
By implementing these tips and suggestions, you and your partner can work towards a stronger, more connected relationship.
