4 Tips for Strengthening Your Relationship
May 09, 2020If there is one piece of advice you hear over and over about relationships, it is they take a lot of work. While any relationship is work because you are dealing with a person who has had different life experiences to you, it should never be too much work. There are things you both can do that will hurt your relationship or will strengthen it.
Here are four tips for strengthening your relationship and learn more about your partner:
LISTEN
Sometimes, easier said than done! When your partner is talking about something important to them, listen. Listening is different than just hearing them. Listening is wanting to learn vs. just hearing words they are saying.We often get wrapped up in what we want to say and interrupt, which can provoke feelings of anger or sadness in our partner as they feel what they are saying is not valid due to interruptions. Take the time to listen actively!
SCHEDULE TIME TOGETHER
Do something special once a week with your partner to reconnect. We all get so busy with work, kids, and responsibilities that we often forget to connect with our partner. Schedule a date once a week — go bowling, make a special dinner, whatever it is, keep the date consistent, as it will help strengthen your relationship and bond with your partner.
LEARN TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
When we disagree with our partner, we tend to harp on the negative and think about other things they do that bother us. In the moments after a disagreement, take a moment to breathe and think about why you are with your partner and all of the positive attributes you love about them. This practice will help you refocus on your love vs. focusing on the negative.
DO SOMETHING CHALLENGING TOGETHER
Nothing bonds us more than when we must work together as a team. Do a puzzle together or check out a local escape room. Navigating challenging tasks helps us to bond with our partner as we have to figure out who is going to take on which responsibility to complete the project. Use the experience to learn more about your relationship and how you communicate during challenging tasks.
