3 Ways to reconnect this Valentine's Day

Whether you love it, hate it, or apathetically celebrate it, no doubt Valentine's Day conjures up thoughts of romance, connection and love. For those couples in the new romance phase- these thoughts probably feel warm and comfortable. For the unattached perhaps they evoke sadness, longing or neutrality. For those battling a rough patch in their relationship these thoughts of love and romance may evoke feelings of grief, loss, loneliness, disappointment or hopelessness. It is often at this point that couples reach out to me for relationship counselling.
Whilst it can seem like a big, scary step to take- couples counselling can help shift your relationship from coexisting to truly connecting.

This Valentine's Day you can begin the process of repair and connection with a few small gestures.

1. GRATITUDE. Say thank you. It may seem insignificant, but showing gratitude for even the smallest things our partner has done increases fondness in a relationship. “Thanks for working hard today, thanks for taking the rubbish out, thanks for cooking dinner, thanks for folding the washing”.
2. FRIENDSHIP. Ask your partner about their day in a personalised and interested way. “How did the project meeting go? How was that podcast you listened to? How did you go at your group today?” Then set aside distractions (phones, tv’s etc) and be prepared to actively listen and engage.
3. CONNECTION. Go to bed at the same time: whether or not you are feeling like being intimate, going to bed together gives you the opportunity to connect. It may be a cuddle, a kiss, sex, a long conversation in the dark, reading in shared silence or simply the touching of feet as you drift off to sleep. It is a simple yet important gesture of togetherness.

Maybe this year's Valentine's Day gift could be one of hope and a new commitment to reignite your relationship. Take a look at my couples counselling page for further information on how we can work together to achieve your relationship goals. http://www.awakeninsights.com.au/couples-counselling.html

Jade Bonney
Holistic Counsellor
0406 089 641
[email protected]