Relationship Tips for Couples

Last Spring, I spent a day visiting a nearby tulip farm, enjoying the crisp air and beautiful array of bright, happy colors. The fields were still wet and muddy, but the flowers were fighting through and blooming with strength and beauty. I was struck by the contrast of the bright flowers bursting through the thick, brown mud.

It reminded me of what happens in our relationships. We get bogged down by the weight of life and forget to focus on what really matters – cultivating and nourishing our most important connections. Nature serves as a natural reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and focus on creating new growth in our relationships.

Here are three ways you can create new relationship growth…

1) Commit to spending ten minutes together every evening engaging in silent touch

Talking can be over-rated. There are days when I come home from work, fall on the couch, and tell my husband that I have no more words. But feeling mentally drained doesn’t mean we have to ignore each other for the rest of the evening! Try spending a few minutes every evening engaging in some type of silent touch. Maybe a gentle massage, a cuddle on the sofa, or holding hands while going for an evening walk. The intention of your silent touch is to focus solely on your partner. If you commit to this ten minute practice, you will notice new, positive, loving feelings emerge between you and your partner.

2) Plan something fun to do together

Have you had a hard time sticking to relationship resolutions you’ve made? So have I. Give yourself permission to admit that you’ve been neglecting yourself and your relationship. Brainstorming restorative activities and planning to make them a reality is a great way to reconnect and grow your relationship. Maybe it’s a weekend camping trip, a beach vacation, or a day-trip to that festival you’ve always wanted to attend. Whatever you choose, make time to sit down and plan the trip together. The time you spend dreaming and planning is sure to nourish the loving feeling you have for each other… and hey, you get to do something fun as a result! I call that a win-win scenario.

3) Choose a relationship enrichment book to read together over the next few months

Are you ready to experience an abundance of new growth in your relationship? Reading a book together is a great way to invest in your relationship. It takes commitment from both partners, so make sure your partner is on board with this plan. Check out my list of go-to relationship books here. If reading something together isn’t going to happen, consider scheduling a few check-up appointments with your couples counselor. You can quickly assess areas that need extra nourishing and come up with a plan to make new relationship growth a reality.

Okay, it’s time to get to work! I hope one of these suggestions fits into your schedule. Remember, we have to commit time and energy to our loved ones in order for our relationships to thrive. I hope you’re feeling inspired to nourish and grow your relationship this season.