Sometimes we all need a little bit of a kickstart to remind ourselves of how much we love and care for each other. If this sounds familiar, why not try out our 30-day relationship challenge? These activities are simple, fun, and mostly free. What’s more, research shows that they may actually improve your relationship quality.
For instance, multiple studies reinforce the importance of showing everyday kindness and consideration for each other (as in numbers 7, 8, 9, and 21). Demonstrating gratitude towards your partner, as in numbers 12 and 16, is also known to be a habit of successful couples. Learning or doing new things together, as in numbers 5, 18, and 24, can give us back some of those feelings of excitement and newness that make love thrilling. Walking and exercising together, as in numbers 4, 5, 29, and 30, boosts moods, making it more likely you’ll feel positive towards one another, and may possibly increase libido. And you might be surprised to learn it, but watching romantic movies and following the same TV series together (as in numbers 11 and 25) can build intimacy, keep people close, and start important conversations.
To make this challenge especially fun, try printing it out, cutting the list into strips, and placing them in a hat or jar. Each of you can then choose one to do each day. Keep your challenge a secret from each other until the moment is right, unless planning is necessary.
Of course, you don’t have to do all 30 of these in a row. Maybe you’ll pick one per week or choose one or two when the mood strikes. The point is to find deliberate ways to do something to connect and bond. Enjoy.
Looking for more ways to connect and get closer with your partner? Heading towards marriage? The SMART Couples project is offering ELEVATE, a free, research-backed relationship enhancement class for couples, and Before You Tie the Knot, a free marriage preparation course, in Florida counties across the state. All our programs are taught by trained professionals and are welcoming to all. Sign up today!
By Carol Church, lead writer, SMART Couples, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida
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