When you first meet someone or get into a long-term relationship, there is always an initial high, a glow. But as anyone who has been in any relationship will know, that glow fades. This isn’t a sign that the love has ended. It means your hormones have done their part to bring you together. Now, the actual work begins.
Understanding Your And Your Partner’s Needs
Everyone comes with their expectations of what a relationship will look like. Talk ahead and find out each other’s expectations. Do you need a lot of time with your partner? Or do you need more time alone? What does a healthy relationship look like? Is it going on a walk/hike together? Is it talking about your day? Is it learning something together?
Creating Rituals of Connection
Ask and find out what beliefs each person has on what a healthy relationship looks like to them. Find out what each needs to feel connected and then design habits that meet it. Is trying new things important? Every weekend, plan date nights where you try new restaurants together. Is celebrating birthdays important? Set reminders on your phone and start planning early.
The key is to create habits that regularly meet both your needs. Over time, your habits become a natural part of your daily life. Then, one day, you realise the glow was never lost. It is as bright as it always was. And it will be kept alive by your shared, purposeful rituals of connection.
