Kaitlyn Bruneau (Romantic Connections)
Licensed clinical social worker Kaitlyn shares practical tips for strengthening romantic relationships. The video emphasises the crucial role of open and honest communication, incl...
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How can communication help strengthen a romantic relationship?
The first key to building and maintaining relationships, though it may sound obvious or cliche, is communication. It can be so easy to fall into patterns of mind reading with those that we are closest with, thinking that they know what we are thinking, or assuming that they know what we are to reduce some of the strife or tension that can come from this. Open and honest communication can go a really long way. Make sure that you are taking time to check in with your partner around their needs. Share what is going on with yourself, and communicate any emotions or pain points before they get too big. Sometimes we avoid communication about sensitive issues out of fear that'll be uncomfortable or cause issues. However, these conversations are much more likely to go well and productively if you have them sooner instead of waiting until emotions have festered or there's way too much to discuss. So again, make sure that you are taking time to sit down and talk with your romantic partner about your concerns or even just to check in and share how each of you are doing or feeling about the relationship. One great way to do this is to even schedule regular check-ins for anything either. If you want to discuss. A second way to make sure that you are maintaining a strong foundation of your romantic relationship is by recognising differences. While this might sound similar to the mind reading I mentioned earlier, this is all about recognising your partner for who they are, not necessarily going into a relationship needing or wanting to change them to fit a mould. This can work even better if you're able to care for and appreciate your partner for these differences in who they are. It's not uncommon for us to compliment one another in our relationships where differences actually create a good balance with one another. Lastly, a great way to maintain connection and closeness in a romantic relationship is through quality time, especially if you live with your partner. Sometimes it can be easy to get stuck on autopilot each living your own lives just under the same roof quality time. On the other hand, is time spent purposely together where you're enjoying one another's company, building up the foundation of your relationship and taking time to acknowledge and appreciate one another. This may be screen free time with honest conversations over dinner or taking time to ask each other about your goals and needs in the relationship. Though it can be really enjoyable and relaxing quality time is not companionable silence with each of you scrolling through your phones on either end of the couch. These are just a few of the many ways that you can fuel the connection in your romantic relationship.
How can quality time help strengthen a romantic relationship?
Lastly, a great way to maintain connection and closeness in a romantic relationship is through quality time, especially if you live with your partner. Sometimes it can be easy to get stuck on autopilot each living your own lives just under the same route. Quality time on the other hand, is time spent purposely together where you're enjoying one another's company, building up the foundation of your relationship and taking time to acknowledge and appreciate one another. This may be screen free time with honest conversations over dinner or taking time to ask each other about your goals and needs in the relationship. Though it can be really enjoyable and relaxing quality time is not companionable silence with each of you scrolling through your phones on either edge of the couch. These are just a few of the many ways that you can fuel the connection in your romantic relationship.
How can recognizing differences help strengthen a romantic relationship?
A second way to make sure that you are maintaining a strong foundation of your romantic relationship is by recognising differences. While this might sound similar to the mind reading I mentioned earlier, this is all about recognising your partner for who they are, not necessarily going into a relationship needing or wanting to change them to fit a mould. This can work even better if you're able to care for and appreciate your partner for these differences in who they are. It's not uncommon for us to compliment one another in our relationships where differences actually create a good balance with one another.