In this year of uncertainty, where many couples are spending more time together, some are sincerely concerned if they will make it through the pandemic. If you can relate to this scenario, there are steps you can take now to give your relationship a fighting chance.
Take a moment to think of all the times when you and your spouse wished for more time together. Now, think about what you are going through presently. No CEO or general officer ever said on their death bed, ‘My only regret is that I did not spend enough time at work.’ On the contrary, the retirement speech often includes the opposite sentiment.
With social distancing requirements in mind, here are some tips to seize the value of the extra days together by giving your marriage intentional focus.
6 tips for a healthy marriage during a pandemic
Date often. When it comes to scheduling date night, manage it as if it’s a business meeting you cannot miss. Whether it’s once a month or once a week, make sure that it occurs. Place date night on your calendar and be consistent. Remember, dates can be done at home, but you have to be creative.
Be adventurous. Share new experiences, visit new places — whether it’s a hole in the wall or an exotic location. Prior to these activities, discuss what you both are anticipating from the experience. Use your senses and remember these locations by the smell of the air, the taste of the foods, the unique sounds and so on.
Conduct meaningful conversations and intimate interactions without distractions. Taking time to do intimate activities together is awesome. It is one of the greatest opportunities to learn more about what’s going on in your spouse’s head. Activities like a long walk in a park that is not crowded or a jog in a quiet neighborhood helps to stimulate conversation. You would be surprised at how many topics get covered in that period while you both strengthen your muscles and help your heart health.
Respect each other’s effort to communicate effectively. Listening to your spouse without interruption is important, and must be done frequently. If your spouse wants to discuss a new business opportunity or an issue at work, take the time to listen without imposing your opinion unless your spouse asks for input. When your spouse initiates a conversation, make time to have that discussion. Be sure that you are both in agreement with the end result. Don’t hope things will work out, make sure they do.
Learn to apologize. Take responsibility for your actions. Do not play the blame game. Do not start your dialogue with “you”, instead, use “we” or sometimes even “I”. Voice how an action your partner took made you feel.
Dress to impress. Imagine how excited you were to go on your first date. Did you take the time to find the right outfit? Ensure you both stay interested in each other’s appearance. Yes, you love your spouse for who they are, but you cannot deny the feeling from seeing your spouse make an extra effort for you. a well-dressed spouse, especially when they make the extra effort for you.
