Growing together as a couple is one of the most important things you can do for your relationship. It’s often a difficult process, and it takes dedication from both partners.
It can also be helpful to lean on your community for support during difficult times. This can include other couple friends or a professional therapist.
1. Do More Things Together
Just like a plant needs water to grow strong, couples need to work together for their relationship to thrive. One way to do this is by engaging in more activities together.
Whether it’s taking a dance class or starting a daily walk, there are many fun ways to spend time together. Try new things to keep the connection alive and even explore your individual interests, too.
Couples should also take the opportunity to talk about their personal growth regularly. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but these discussions can bring the two of you closer. You may learn that you both have a similar perspective on a subject, or you might discover something about your partner’s mindset or worldview that surprised you.
2. Spend More Time Together
When couples spend quality time together they can learn more about each other and build a deeper connection. This may include activities such as going on walks or hikes, playing board games, or cooking meals together. It can also include working through challenges, like a loss of a job or illness, together.
While spending more time together can be good, it is important to balance this with time apart. This can help couples maintain their independence and individuality.
Even when arguments happen, they can be beneficial for the relationship if they are handled respectfully and productively. Couples can use disagreements as a way to learn more about each other and improve their communication skills.
3. Communicate
Just as a plant needs to be watered and fertilised in order to thrive, couples need healthy communication to help their relationship grow. This includes using a clear communication style, paying attention to the pace of their conversation and watching out for red flag timbres like sarcasm.
Smart couples talk about their goals and discuss ways to make the relationship happier. They also check in regularly. One couple I met who had young kids had a coffee date alone for half an hour every day to stay in touch.
They don’t take disagreements as a sign of incompatibility and use them as learning opportunities. They focus on being respectful and avoiding yelling, insults and name-calling.
4. Share Your Goals
Sharing your goals with your partner can improve your relationship. This can include both short-term and long-term goals.
Shared smart goals give you something to work toward as a couple. It also helps you keep your focus on the most important thing in your life—your relationship.
While it’s good to have shared goals, it’s important that you both grow as individuals, too. Focusing on your own skills and interests can help you and your partner feel more passionate about each other.
Do you have a passion for learning and growing? Schedule a free phone consultation with me today! You can learn to improve your communication skills and make your relationship thrive.
5. Ask Questions
Whether you’re just starting out or have been married for years, it’s important to ask your partner questions—not just the standard, “How was your day?” but intimate questions that can reveal new parts of them. Asking your spouse about their goals, hopes for the future, and even what bothers them can help you stay in touch with how they’re growing as individuals.
Don’t be afraid to ask silly or funny questions, too! They can also help you bond with your spouse by eliciting stories about their quirky habits and quirks.
6. Encourage Each Other
Whether it’s pursuing new interests or growing professionally, healthy couples encourage each other to pursue personal growth. They also help each other overcome setbacks and failures.
They recognize that their worldviews and mindsets can change over time, and they are willing to compromise when needed. They aren’t afraid to have difficult discussions about their differences, and they know how to use humor when things get stressful.
Of course, every relationship is unique and requires different things to thrive.