As people grow and relationships evolve, you might feel like you are drifting away from your partner. If you want this relationship to work, either one of you has to initiate the conversation. Have a heart-to-heart open conversation and ask your partner if they would like to feel close again. Doing things without asking though appreciative doesn’t fix the issues causing the drift. We hope this blog offers you insight on how to reconnect with your partner after growing apart.
Table of Contents
1. Plan a ‘First Date’ Do-Over
Remember the excitement of your first date? Recreate it. Go to the same place you did for the very first time. Whether it was a movie night, a dinner at a special restaurant, or a walk in the park, when you relive old experiences you rekindle the magic. Going on frequent date nights makes for a happier and closer relationship.
2. Find New Activities To Do Together
Book a cooking class, a dance lesson, or even a pottery workshop, something that neither of you have tried before. Many studies have shown that trying out new activities promotes overall well-being and stimulates the hippocampus and striatum connection to make you feel happy.
3. Share About Your Day
Most of our days are mundane and that’s why we don’t share much about it with our partner. But sharing those little moments is what a relationship is all about. When you make it a habit, you’ll find special moments to talk about. It could be the new song that’s stuck in your head, an interesting blog you read on exoplanets, or a kind gesture from a stranger.
4. Create a Shared Goal
Whether it is a DIY home project, planning a long tropical vacation, or reaching fitness goals, it will bring you closer. Help each other stay accountable. It’s about encouraging each other, recognizing efforts, and being there to offer a nudge when motivation wanes.
5. Unplug to Reconnect
In a world dominated by screens, it’s easy to forget the importance of undistracted attention. Designate tech-free times everyday where you can focus solely on each other. Whether it’s during dinner or before bedtime, set your phone aside and enjoy some meaningful conversations or a cosy cuddle.
6. Practice Gratitude
A simple ‘thank you’ for everyday tasks or acknowledging the qualities you admire in them can boost positivity. Write them small notes or message them randomly throughout the day to show your gratitude. As a relationship gets older, we set into a routine and even though you expect your partner to complete a particular task, it is nice to appreciate their work.
8. Attend a Couples Therapy
Sometimes, having a professional guide you through the process of reconnecting can be incredibly beneficial. Couples therapy provides tools and strategies to improve communication and understanding. It also offers a safe space to talk to each other and the therapist will help you process the scenario and understand why you and your partner acted in a particular way. If you’re in Ontario, we highly recommend Jennifer Pinto. She’s a psychotherapist based in Toronto and offers virtual couples counselling. Her evidence-based approach also includes mindful activities that you and your partner can practise in between sessions and grow closer again. Reach out to her today for a free 15-minute consultation (first-time clients only).