One way a couple can really connect is through rituals that are exclusive to their relationship. This might be a night with TV off and a game of Scrabble, going to the cinema together and eating popcorn, perhaps a meal out once a month at a favourite restaurant, or simply doing a crossword together.
Each couple will have shared likes, perhaps some more than others, but the shared likes are a bond between a couple, so making a ritual from these shared likes increases the closeness between partners. Many people see habits as boring and negative in their relationship, they want to spice it up, do different things and not fall into routine, but there is a difference between unfulfilling habits, to something the couple do together which they both look forward to, whether this is weekly or just once a year. From the Gottman blog it mentions;
Dr. John Gottman suggests that couples commit to a magic six hours a week together, which includes rituals for saying goodbye in the morning and reuniting at the end of the day. Sticking to these rituals will help you to reconnect when life gets in the way.
Think about what you can bring into your relationship as a strong and bonding ritual. Make it yours, something only you and your partner can do, and let it become a enjoyable of positive part of your life. Some suggestions might be;
cook together on a Saturday night
have a date night once a week/month
sit and listen to those songs like you did when you were first together
doing something daring once a month
go for a long walk at the weekends
go to that nightclub once a month
order a take-away and watch some TV together.
And most importantly…..have some fun doing this!