Being in a long term relationship with someone, whether you’re married, engaged or just together, can be extremely challenging. Modern life is filled with so many demands and our time is often spread thin across work, family commitments, pets, trying to balance a social life and so much more. Often our most important relationship can fall to the backburner, which after months or years can cause considerable problems. There are a few quick things you can do to help strengthen your relationship. Having a strong and connected relationship will help you and your partner better manage life’s storms. Keep reading for my top 4 ways to strengthen your relationship.
1. Consider Therapy
Many people consider therapy to be something you only need when you’re in a crisis, but I personally think there’s a lot of benefit to doing therapy when things are going well. When you’re busy dealing with a crisis, therapy can help you survive. If things are more stable in your relationship, going to therapy can mean an opportunity to strengthen your relationship and to take your intimacy to the next level. Couples therapy also has a completely different dynamic to going to therapy individually. The therapist can help you communicate more directly and to see things from your partner’s perspective which maybe you were struggling to do beforehand. Check out Relationship Therapy Mississauga for some great couple’s therapy options.
2. Learn Your Love Languages
Do you know what your love language is? Do you know what your partner’s love language is? This can go a long way in helping you better communicate with your partner and to show that you care about them. Often, we give the love we would like to receive. But if it’s not how your partner feels love, then you might be missing an opportunity to make them feel really treasured. You can do a quick Google search to learn more about the love languages, or you can read the original book by Garp Chapman called The Five Love Languages. Share with your partner what you think their love language might be, and what yours is, so you can start showing each other love in that way. Check out DMZ for some great incubator options to take your startup idea to the next level.
3. Book a Trip Away
There’s something really special about traveling together as a couple. It’s an opportunity to have new experiences together, to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and a way to go on many new dates in new places. It’s easy to fall into a normal routine at home, where you take each other for granted and you fall into the grind of working, watching TV in the evenings and sleeping. Going away on a trip together forces some spontaneity into your lives and ensures that you’re being more adventurous. Check out this website for some great air charter options to get away on a special trip.
4. Improve Your Communication
Communication is really at the heart of a relationship. How do you and your partner talk to each other when you’re mad or stressed? Are you loving and respectful even when you’re pushed to the limit? If you’re not, or your partner isn’t, then there are probably many ways you can improve your communication. I find that there is generally a problem between men and women communicating. Men, for starters, tend to be really direct which can sometimes come across as insensitive. Women on the other hand are indirect, which can be confusing and vague for men. Learning how to communicate in a more effective way can be so positive for your relationship and can really help strengthen your intimacy.
It can feel challenging trying to strengthen your relationship, but it is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I hope these tips help you feel better prepared to take your relationship to the next level.
