“The quality of your life ultimately depends on the quality of your relationships” – Esther Perel
Fostering a healthy relationship is an instrumental way to improve your physical and emotional well–being. A satisfying, loving relationship can give in many different forms. Whether long-term or short-term, committed or not, monogamous or open, heterosexual or non-non-heteronormative, most everyone desires a healthy relationship. Regardless of what your relationship looks like, there are shared qualities that are good for any relationship. These are the things that can bring us joy. In addition to attending couples therapy regularly with your partner, the following resources can help to keep your connection strong.
- Read about it. In school we read books about science, history, and other subjects meant to help us in adulthood. Although we learn a lot in those school years, we’re not taught how to have a healthy relationship. There isn’t a class to help us recognize the signs of an unhealthy one. It might seem innate, but good relationships require skill. Check out these relationship books handpicked by the founders of The Couples Center, Gal and Liron. Their list of 10 books covers topics such as sexuality, personal growth, intimacy, and healing from an affair.
- Take a relationship course. Discover your relationship style and identify what your needs are (as well as your partner’s) with the Relationship Blueprint Mini Course. This affordable, easily accessible online course will teach you what practical shifts you can make for a stronger connection. Find other courses here, all of which are designed to help you get back on the path to love or guide you in a way that keeps you on track.
- Know your love language (and your partner’s). There are 5 love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, physical touch, and quality time. Each one is a different way to express love. Every person has a love language that speaks to them the most. Find out your love language with this quiz. You feel most loved when your partner uses that love language to show that they care. Sometimes we assume that our love language is the same as our partner. While our intentions are good our partner doesn’t feel lit up the way they would if we know what makes their heart sing. Learn more about the five love languages at the website, https://5lovelanguages.com/ or read the book by Gary Chapman “The 5 Love Languages”.
- Complete a relationship questionnaire. Our relationship questionnaires can help you find out where your strengths are and where your challenges are. In the sidebar, you’ll find access to the “7 Dimensions of Successful Relationships” relationship questionnaire.
- Learn what your core relationship desire is. The four core relationship desires are connection, autonomy, security, and adventure. They exist on a spectrum, meaning each person is somewhere between two types. You can pinpoint where you (and your partner) exist with this core relationship quiz. The results can be used to take action and make necessary changes in your relationship. When you listen to their desires and shift your behavior to meet those desires, you’ll both feel more satisfied.
- Keep date night alive. You know that quality time, outside of everyday life is healthy for a relationship. You and your partner went on dates at some point, but now you might be feeling like there’s never enough time. Between work, kids, and everything else, a date night with your spouse (or significant other) might remain unchecked on your to-do list. Check out these 24 date night ideas that don’t require leaving the house! Whether you’re venturing out staying on the couch, follow these tips to make date night happen! Join one of our virtual date nights where you can improvise your connection through experiential and active exercises.
- Practice self-care. You can’t maintain a healthy relationship without taking good care of yourself. Make time for the things that keep your mind, body, and soul nurtured. Neglecting yourself in that way is not only harmful to you, it’ll negatively impact your relationship with your partner. Follow these self-care tips as a way to prevent burnout, stay focused, and reduce stress. It also leaves you with the time and energy to devote to your relationship. Self-care is a win-win!
- Identify the best type of therapy to meet your goals. While therapy is helpful for just about everyone, there isn’t one type that’s best for all. There are many different types of psycho therapy such as EFT Therapy, The Gottman Method, Imago Therapy, and PACT therapy. In addition, there are various types of sex therapy which include sensate focus, somatic sex therapy, Tantric bodywork, and sex surrogate therapy. See how they compare and discover what’s right for you.
