Nourishing Your Relationship This Fall

Notoriously, Fall is “cuffing season” for single people. You know, trying to get into a relationship so you have someone to spend the dark cold days of fall and winter with? But for those of us already in relationships, there’s no rush! You’ve found your partner, so take time these next few months as schedules get less busy and weather gets worse to focus on strengthening and nourishing the relationship you’re already in! Communication and relationship exercises aren't just for struggling couples, they can strengthen any relationship and are a great way to learn things about your partner you otherwise might not!

Relationship Exercises to Try This Fall:

Date Night Challenge:
Bi-weekly or monthly, plan a date night where you and your partner switch off planning the evening. This could be cooking their favorite meal, planning an activity like painting pottery or going to a concert, having a game night at home, the possibilities are endless!

Weekly Check-Ins:

Take some time once a week to have some one on one time to discuss how you’re feeling in general, but also about your relationship. Try using “I” statements and not assigning blame but rather share feelings, concerns, and upcoming plans. 

Conflict Resolution Role-Play:

Choose a frequent or past disagreement you have with your partner and attempt solving it from the other person's perspective. Doing this when you’re not caught up in your feelings in the moment of the actual spat helps give better perspective and gives you tools to solve disagreements in the future. 

Shared Goals:

Try making a list, venn diagram, or vision board with your goals as couples and individuals. Take a moment every few weeks or months to check-in and see where you’re at in achieving them.

Active Listening Practice:

Sit with your partner and each take 5-10 minutes where one person gets to talk to the other without being interrupted. After the time is up, summarize what your partner told you to ensure you understood them. Then switch! 

Physical Connection:

Take a moment each day to give your partner some physical affection! This could be a hug, holding their hand, cuddling while watching tv, anything that fosters intimacy and connection between you. 

Hopefully these exercises help you and your partner stay out of a rut this Fall. But, if they don;t and you feel like you’re just not hearing or understanding each other, it might be time to try couples therapy. Book your free consultation now at mindplexcity.com/consultation