Emotional intimacy is an integral component of a healthy relationship. However, the demands of everyday life can make it easy to slowly drift away from your significant other. Check out these ways to emotionally reconnect with your partner.
Plan Meaningful Activities
One of the best ways to feel close to your partner is by spending quality time together. However, you need to make your time as intentional as possible. If you go out for a nice dinner and rehash the same complaints you discuss at home, you’re not advancing your relationship in any way.
Instead, think about activities that will deepen your connection and spark meaningful conversations. When it comes to building intimacy, you need to wholeheartedly focus on one another. Sign up for a cooking class, take a hike in a local forest preserve, or drive around town. Whatever you and your partner decide to do, the act of spending intentional time with one another is most important.
Write a Love Letter
In the days of texting and emailing, a handwritten letter may seem antiquated, but it sends a powerful, personal message to your significant other. By taking the time to put your thoughts on paper, you can express how much your partner means to you.
Unlike other forms of communication, your partner can cherish a handwritten letter forever. Within the note, don’t forget to mention the reasons why you love them. In addition to your love letter, you can include a small token of your appreciation, such as a bouquet of flowers or a new book. These types of “just because” gifts can improve any relationship by reminding the recipient how much you care. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to show your appreciation for your significant other. At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts.
Practice Active Listening
Another way to emotionally reconnect with your partner is through the power of active listening. Active listening is a skill that you need to consciously practice. This type of listening involves repeating what the other person said in your own words. By doing so, your partner knows you heard and understood what they were trying to convey.
Connecting on an emotional level requires a high level of communication with your significant other, so active listening is key. Perhaps most importantly, listening with intent means you’re validating your partner’s thoughts and feelings.
Express Gratitude
A lovely way for you and your spouse to reconnect is through consistent expressions of gratitude. If your spouse offers to wash the dishes if you’ve had a long day at work, be sure to thank them. If your partner takes the dog out in the morning so that you can sleep in, don’t forget to show your appreciation.
Small gestures of gratitude can add up over time and make your partner feel valued for their efforts. It’s easy to become complacent when you do the same tasks day in and day out, so don’t forget to show your significant other you care.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you can focus on the important task of emotionally reconnecting with your partner. Every relationship requires hard work, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll come out with a strong, loving, and fulfilling partnership.
Dianne Pajo is a Certified Personal Trainer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her outdoors and performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.