A psychologist specialized in couple relationships reveals five simple but essential habits that can strengthen the connection between partners at the weekend.
The things that happy couples make on the weekend photo: Archive
The life of the couple, especially when both partners work full-time, can become a challenge. The psychologist specialized in couple relationships and husband, Dr. Justin Lioi, says that the balance between work and personal life becomes even more delicate when you add a long -term relationship to the equation.
“My job as a researcher and husband taught me how important it is to be intentional with the time we spend together, especially on the weekend”He says, according to CNBC.
Here are the 5 habits that, according to the psychologist, make a difference in happy relationships:
1. Put your phones aside
Even if you spend a lot of time with your partner, if you are always distracted by notifications, emails or social networks, the quality of time together decreases.
“What matters is not how you spend that time but the presence“Says the psychologist.”It can be a quiet coffee in the morning, a rushless walk or a relaxing dinner – it is important for phones and laptops to be closed. ”
2. Practice “Parallel game”
After a tiring week, it is normal to want time for you, but also time in the couple.
“Play parallel“, A concept from the child’s psychology, means that both partners do different activities, but one next to each other. Maybe one reads on the couch, while the other plays a video game. It does not necessarily communicate directly, but they divide the space and relax each in its own way.
“It’s the way you say, «I love you, but I need myself for an hour or two. Let’s do this together »”explains the psychologist.
3. They have a couple ritual
Rituals provide stability and feeling of belonging. “Research shows that rituals help couples to organize their lives so that there is room for both change and stability.”
The rituals can be simple and funny – pancakes on Sunday morning, an evening of games with a funny score panel on the fridge or even a weekly planning session, while listening to your favorite music.
4. Programms the intimate life
Studies show that a satisfactory sex life is an important predictor of happiness in the couple. However, weekends can become an extension of the work week, and intimacy risks being overlooked.
“Many believe that sex planning diminishes spontaneity but actually reduces the stress of a «happen»”, Explains the specialist. “It is a way to reconnect without distractions and reduce the tensions accumulated during the week.”
5. I laugh intentionally
“Play is one of the most reliable methods by which a couple can strengthen its connection”Says the psychologist. This improves satisfaction in the relationship, reduces conflicts and drives away monotony.
During the week, we are scheduled to look for stress reasons. During the weekend, it’s time to remember how to be playful.
“It can be a trivia game with absurd rules or an improvised dance competition. There is no correct or wrong way to be playful-it is important to remember how to make your partner laugh. “he adds.
