Love is in the Little Things
Healthy Couple Fact: Happy couples are couples who regularly make time to connect. Connection is most meaningful if it happens in the form of small, consistent actions.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and those of us in relationships might find ourselves pondering ways to show our other half that we care. Whatever your typical V-Day plans might be, consider trying some of the items on the list below. Couples and families are busier than ever, and although a date night is a great idea, we often lack the time or money to have an elaborate night out. Here is a list of small ways to connect with your partner that have serious value. Most of them require little time and no money. Try making up your own list, too!
1. Make a meal plan together
2. Shop for groceries together
3. Dance to one song
4. Hug for 20 seconds
5. Finish the sentence, "I appreciate..."
6. Offer an apology
7. Have a staring contest
8. Ask your partner, "If we could do anything you like for 15 minutes, what would you choose?"
9. Play a board/card game
10. Have decaf coffee or tea together in the evening
11. Make a 'no devices in the ____ ' rule
12. Take a ten-minute walk together
13. Make up a new pet name for your partner
14. Write a love note in seven words or less
15. Name a need that your partner has met
16. Name a need that your partner hasn't met yet
17. Play a sport together
18. Schedule a weekly 30-minute 'talk time'
19. Have a re-run of your first date
20. Set a goal together that you can achieve in a week
21. Tell your partner about a worry you have
22. Hold hands in the car
23. Ask, "How could I make your day better today?"
24. Talk about the kind of relationship you'd like your child to have with his/her future spouse
25. Take the Five Love Languages quiz at 5lovelanguages.com
Relationships require a lot of work. If your relationship is in a place where the above list feels impossible or unhelpful, it might be a good time to check in with a therapist.
BLOG AUTHOR
JODIE VOTH
JODIE IS A FULL-TIME THERAPIST AND OWNER OF VOTH FAMILY THERAPY.