Here’s a modern horror story. Are you ready?
You have a super-important job interview, but you have only one bar on your phone! Yikes!
Now think about your relationship. If you have all four bars showing up on your cell phone, you get perfect reception for your conversations. Let’s talk about how you can get four bars of connection with your partner.
(And if you feel more joy at seeing four bars on your phone then greeting your partner after work, let’s fix that!)
Quality time lets your partner know they are a priority to you and they matter.
Here’s how it works
“I know you have Friday afternoon off this week. I rescheduled my calls so I can take you to that movie you want to see. And then we can go out for dinner. You pick where!”
A thoughtful gesture not only prioritizes the relationship, but it also communicates, “I see you, I care about you, your joy matters to me, you are worthy of my time and effort.”
Now imagine dinner at your favorite restaurant, soft music, lovely ambience, full eye contact and full attention, an engaging discussion about the movie - indeed, a quality experience!
Cue the soft lights in the bedroom!
Putting it into practice:
Sending small and consistent messages that your partner is a priority is something we like to call “Two Togethers,” or TTs. These TTs keep your connection solid and strong, and they don’t require a lot of time.
Try one of these this weekend, or come up with one of your own:
Bring your partner breakfast in bed, and then sit with them as they eat. No phones; just enjoy each other. Toast and coffee count. Want to start out the day with a laugh? Try a silly love joke! Here’s one:
Why should you never date a tennis player?
Because love means nothing to them.
Take a bath or shower together. Don’t be afraid to get silly! What’s not to like about two people who love each other, splashing water at one another?
Plan and cook your partner’s favorite meal – together. Go to the grocery store to pick up ingredients together. Chop some broccoli together while watching Dana Carvey’s skit on SNL about chopping broccoli! Or if you want to be really adventurous, recreate a dish from one of your favorite movies via Binging with Babish.
Key Takeaways
Keep your eye on the gauge and your sights on the future. Ask yourself often: How many bars does our relationship have? How strong is our connection? Did we laugh together this week?
Did we spend at least five solid minutes making warm eye contact while we were both in high spirits?
Plan ahead. Make time. Take time. Your connection is worth it!
Can you hear us yet?
