BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

The impact of stress on relationships and how to manage it

Are you facing difficulty in your relationship? Do you feel disappointed with your partner and wish to quit? If so, you might just be experiencing stress in your relationship.

Stress in relationships can be seen when certain concerns arise between partners due to differences of opinion. Similarly, stress can be caused due to individual issues related to one’s work, past relationships, childhood experiences, etc. Thus, stress on an individual level can also lead to affect the relationship. These concerns and issues are not easy to anticipate. At times, it becomes difficult to resolve the stress as the people involved are not aware of how it originated. Moreover, your response to your partner’s stressful times can also determine how the relationship is impacted. To overcome the challenges that come along due to stress in your life it is essential to acknowledge the reason behind the stress and work towards effective management.

Stress is a common factor in relationships and can have a detrimental effect on both partners. It can lead to communication problems, misinterpretations, intense conflicts, lack of intimacy and empathy, unhealthy coping mechanisms, difficulty managing finances, and fatigue. When one or both partners are overwhelmed with stress, it can be hard to feel close to each other, and also exhausting to enjoy doing activities together. Stress leads to changes in behavior, such as being less aware of own actions, words, and tone of voice, which can negatively affect relationships. Furthermore, individuals may bottle up their stress, making it difficult for their partners to recognize what they are going through and how to provide support. It is crucial to identify the signs of stress in relationships and to address it healthily. Research implies that relationships are worse off when people are under stress, so it is important to identify methods to help manage it.

  1. Focus on the things you like in your partner and appreciate them instead of worrying about the negatives.
  2. Avoid overthinking and over analyzing as it takes the joy and peace out of today.
  3. Replaying and reliving the past hurt and building unrealistic expectations can bring about a lot of unhealthy behavior in the relationship. Practicing mindfulness and shifting the attention to what you are feeling, seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, and writing it.
  4. Healthy relationships involve accepting your partner as they are and not wanting to change them. It is important to set healthy boundaries and not ponder on things that are not under your control.
  5. Rekindling the things you once enjoyed doing together can help you focus on things you love about each other.
  6. Take hope, be kind, and communicate effectively. Not every conversation may go as you expect but be sure to talk respectfully throughout.

Harmonizing differences in a relationship is a bit challenging, but finding a sweet spot and bouncing forward can help rediscover the best in each other.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

Navigating Cultural Differences in a Cross-Cultural Relationship

Cross-cultural relationships can be a wonderful opportunity to learn from and grow with someone from a different cultural background. Nevertheless, these challenges are exclusive and can create tension in the relationship if not dealt with appropriately. Our need to get to know and comprehend one another is inherent in a relationship. Assisting each other in understanding what defines them promotes self-awareness and mutual respect. And yet, when it comes to intercultural and interreligious relationships, there are several complexities to be mindful of.

Couples from different cultures and religions need to be aware of their beliefs, values, and presumptions, along with the conventional relationship requirements of trust, care, respect, understanding, resilience, and acceptance. To avoid potential conflicts, it is essential to comprehend the distinctions among various cultures and religions. The probability of dysfunctional unions can increase if one or both partners are uninterested in or unaware of interfaith or cultural differences.

With that being said, we as humans are always capable of finding meaningful relationships in this world, regardless of our varied cultures. Navigating through these cultural differences becomes key to the beautiful sustenance of long-term cross-cultural relationships. The three main pillars of this can be mutual respect, understanding, and communication.

Below are a few suggestions for managing cultural disparities in an intercultural relationship:

  1. Communicate openly
  2. Being open and honest about each other’s feelings helps in understanding the partner’s perspective.
  3. Learn about your partner’s culture.
  4. Being open-minded and having a decent level of curiosity fosters a willingness to learn about the person’s culture.
  5. Values and beliefs
  6. Finding common ground can help navigate differences, as one can use that as a starting point for building a relationship with their partner.
  7. Healthy Growth
  8. Building a healthy relationship is a slow process. If a person is too quick to always “correct” their partner, then both people in the relationship will lose interest in making any kind of adjustment. People generally tend to stand by their culture, as it is an integral part of who they are. Being patient with each other can help in the long run.
  9. Celebrate your differences
  10. Respectfully accepting diverse cultural beliefs is vital, as it can lead to disagreements about sensitive topics like religion or politics. Rather than trying to impose one’s perspective, understanding, and respectful disagreement can be fruitful in maintaining cordial relationships.

In conclusion, navigating cultural differences in a cross-cultural relationship requires patience, understanding, and empathy for each other’s cultural background. By building a strong foundation of respect and communication, you can create a relationship that celebrates both of your unique backgrounds and cultures. It’s important to communicate openly, respect each other’s values and beliefs, and support each other’s sense of identity and belonging. With patience and an open mind, a cross-cultural relationship can be a beautiful and rewarding experience.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY COMMUNICATION IN A RELATIONSHIP

Long-lasting relationships require effective communication. Even in the midst of a conflict, people are more likely to establish common ground if they employ constructive communication techniques. The relationship may get stronger as a result over time. Healthy communication has a relatively very positive impact on any relationship. Here are just a handful of the numerous reasons why talking to your significant other is so crucial:

Enhances Mutual Respect

The introduction of respect is one reason why questions like “Why is communication important in a relationship?” may be answered.

When one partner does not respect the other, it can lead to a breakdown in the relationship. We all have our preferred methods of establishing authority, and it’s important for our significant others to have accurate information about these preferences.

What one person finds perfectly respectful could be completely insulting to the other. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate well so that both sides are aware of where to draw the line.

Generates Trust

Trust in a relationship is earned through time, and one way to do so is through open dialogue.

Building trust takes time and requires both parties to be open to and receptive to one another’s points of view and opinions.

Your ability to trust your spouse will increase when you talk to them about your problems and share personal details.

You can trust your partner more when you are able to talk to them openly and honestly. You have come to trust them through time, and as a result, you feel confident sharing your most private information with them.

Reduce Conflicts

When two people in a relationship have different perspectives on a problem, it’s no wonder that tensions arise.

Fights and anger are inevitable in a relationship when neither partner feels heard or understood.

Unfortunately, in the absence of conversation, neither party will be able to pinpoint the cause of the rift, making a peaceful resolution impossible.

When people in a relationship are able to express their feelings and listen to those of their partner, they are better able to understand each other and work through their differences.

Reduces Guesswork

A relationship can fail if there is a lot of guesswork involved, as both partners are likely to make mistakes that will annoy the other.

When there is an open dialogue between partners, there is no room for speculation. It would also aid in the development of a healthy connection, one in which neither partner has difficulty identifying what the other values.

Your relationship will be simpler and more fulfilling as a result.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Relationship expectations matter and should be talked about. Positive expectations foster relationship growth. There are issues when we are unsure of what is expected of us. Distress results from relationship expectations not being realized. Each has distinct goals for the future. It’s crucial to establish these expectations early on in any relationship to prevent one person from unintentionally upsetting the other. One can experience a healthy, happy, and fulfilling relationship once expectations are mutually stated. The capacity to negotiate tough situations collectively can be maintained by having clear expectations.

Understanding each other’s psyche

With time, we might be able to learn more about the relationship and others’ motivations if we communicate our views and feelings openly and resolve conflicts with them. We can discover more about their mental processes, requirements, priorities, and likes and dislikes. Without this understanding of their emotional processes and character traits, we might attribute their actions to something that isn’t true.

Enhances emotional stability

When people have healthy relationships, they are more emotionally stable. This makes the communication more genuine and the relationship more secure and might make the individual feel confident about it. In conclusion, every relationship has its ups and downs, but if both parties are committed to maintaining an open line of communication, they will be more equipped to work through disagreements and grow closer over time.

We need to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings that may cause hurt, anger, resentment, or confusion.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

How to rebuild trust after a breach in marriage?

One of the pillars of marriage is trust. Breach of trust in the marriage can be in the form of deception, or broken promises, and can damage the trust between the partners severely.

There are numerous ways in which a partner can violate the trust which is as follows:

  1. when a partner is emotionally or physically unavailable.
  2. Incapability of partner to take key decisions about the family.
  3. Insufficiency of partners to keep their significant other’s concerns into consideration.
  4. Unfaithfulness and lying continuously to their partner.

As a consequence, it creates insecurities, doubtfulness, and anxiety between the partners. However, this does not mean that relationship cannot be retrieved. Even though the process of rebuilding trust can be tedious, with proper couple counseling and the willingness of both partners, the trust can be restored.

Ways of rebuilding trust:

Rebuilding a romantic relationship can be challenging, but using Gottman’s method can be a helpful tool in improving communication and providing a roadmap for couples to navigate their way back to a fulfilling partnership. This method is a popular approach to repairing and strengthening romantic relationships. Let us look at the key principles of the approach.

The first step is to establish a “love map,”  which involves getting to know your partner deeper by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses. This helps build intimacy and trust. It’s important to build a culture of appreciation and fondness by expressing gratitude for each other’s positive qualities to counterbalance the negative feelings that may have developed over time.

Next, focus on enhancing your communication skills. This involves practicing active listening and expressing your needs and emotions clearly, and being careful to validate each other’s feelings, expressing empathy and understanding, and avoiding negative communication patterns such as criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

Couples can work on deepening their emotional connection through shared experiences and meaningful conversations.

Gottman’s method also emphasizes the importance of managing conflict in a healthy way, by using communication techniques and finding solutions that meet both partners’ needs. This includes identifying and addressing underlying issues, taking responsibility for your behavior, and seeking compromise rather than trying to “win” arguments.

Finally, it’s important to nurture your friendship and fondness for each other. Spend quality time together, show appreciation and affection and work on building positive memories.

Rebuilding a romantic relationship using Gottman’s method requires commitment, patience, and a willingness to work together toward a common goal.

When to approach counseling?

The restoration of trust in the relationship after a breach takes a lot of commitment, time and indispensable efforts towards the partner just to start a conversation around forgiveness.

Now, the question arises if all of these don’t work in your case because perhaps you and your partner are too overwhelmed to start a conversation about the betrayal, what shall you do? At this point, couples counseling is recommended. Couple counseling is effective when both partners are open to constructive communication. In couple counseling a counselor or a psychologist works as a neutral point of contact who can facilitate the recovery and bring the unsaid questions and answers to the surface of the communication. They work as a guide who can help the couple to decipher an action plan around  communication, trust, compassion, and understanding in the relationship. They help the couple to make well-informed settlements about whether to fill the gaps in trust and move ahead together or apart. They further help in strengthening, understanding, and healing the couple, also as individuals.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

Understanding the role of forgiveness in a successful marriage

A marriage is a legally accepted union between two individuals, which often entails a commitment to a long-term relationship and the sharing of finances, duties, and emotional support. It is a social and cultural institution that exists in many different forms and can be based on various factors such as love, family, religion, or tradition. Many advantages, such as companionship, financial security, and legal protection, might come from a marriage. It is often seen as a way to build a family and create a stable home environment, although not all marriages involve children.

Marriage can also come with challenges, such as communication difficulties, conflicts over finances or household responsibilities, and changes in personal or professional goals. Nonetheless, many couples can create enduring relationships with open and honest communication, respect for one another, and a desire to overcome obstacles.

  1. Communication is key:

Successful relationships between married couples depend on effective interpersonal communication. People need to make sure that they communicate openly and honestly about their feelings, needs, and expectations. It is crucial to understand that communication is a two-way process, so being a good listener and taking the time to absorb what your partner wants to convey is necessary. All relationships have ups and downs, but healthy communication conflicts can be dealt better. Good communication, both verbal and non-verbal provides a base for understanding. Couples should learn to understand each other, not defeat each other. They should talk using the future and present tense, not bring up past events or mistakes. Instead, have healthy discussions to resolve issues by talking and figuring out the solution.

  1. Respect:

Mutual respect is crucial for a happy and healthy marriage. Couples should treat each other with empathy, consideration and kindness and avoid criticizing their opinions and feelings. Treating each other respectfully and not complaining, considering their point of view is vital. Respecting your partner’s independence is also important. Couples should not discuss their problems publicly but rather solve their concerns in their personal space to be respectful to their partners. For instance, if a partner is going through some disturbance and starts being rude, it is advisable that the other partner respect their emotions and not reciprocate them.

  1. Spend quality time together:

Spending quality time together can strengthen a married couple’s bond and create long-lasting memories. It is simple to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to spend quality time with your partner when you have a busy schedule and demanding lifestyle. Make an effort to routinely schedule time for one another, even if it is only for a little while each day. Take trips, enjoy dates, and spend time with each other. It is also advisable to indulge in each other’s areas of interest to make them feel loved and respected.

  1. Practice forgiveness:

In the practice of forgiveness, it is essential to understand each other’s perspective and be mindful of the pain and hurt. The address of the past will prevent the grievances from hampering the present and future of their relationship. On the other hand, this will only be possible when they communicate openly and empathize together for one another. It is not easy to develop, but with time, patience and practice one can cultivate it in their relationship. It will help them strengthen their bond and foster the depths of their commitment and love for each other.

  1. Maintain a healthy sex life:

Practicing sex in a relationship is crucial for overall well-being and health. Research suggests that increased sexual activity helps boost cardiovascular health, strengthen immune system function and reduce the stress generated. On the other hand, it helps release endorphins and generates a sense of intimacy in a relationship. It also helps the couple develop a physical and emotional connection, which further helps them understand and explore each other’s desires and derive pleasure and satisfaction appropriately in their relationship.

  1. Prioritize trust:

Trust allows couples to feel secure and comfortable with each other, fostering emotional intimacy and vulnerability. Without trust, a relationship can become weak and susceptible to falling apart. By prioritizing honesty, consistency, and reliability, couples can build and maintain a strong foundation of trust, allowing them to feel secure and comfortable with each other, fostering emotional intimacy and vulnerability, and deepening their love and commitment towards each other.

  1. Be supportive:

Support has many forms, such as during challenges, success, hearing one another’s ideas and concerns and being happy and supportive of their partner’s growth and development. Not only in happy times but being supportive during each other’s difficult times helps us understand the realness of the relationship. When the couple overcomes all the hurdles together no matter what and how they are, this helps strengthen their love, respect and admiration for each other on a deeper level. This way relationships can last longer.

  1. Practice empathy:

Truthfully, every relationship has its ups and downs, problems, fights and disagreements, but what matters at the end of the day is how we handle the situation at hand. In trying times, listening to our partners attentively and empathetically is vital. One should try to put themselves in their partner’s position and understand the scenario without jumping to conclusions. It will allow you to understand your partner better and provide them with relief and satisfaction when they feel they are heard. Lastly, there must be honesty in the dialogue as it demonstrates sincerity, trust and respect.

  1. Personal space:

Be considerate of your partner’s needs for privacy and individual interests. Allow each other to pursue hobbies, friendships, and other activities outside the marriage. It reduces the constant pressure of chasing happiness in marriage; rather, two happy individuals may come along to share their joy and celebrate together. When people are content as separate individuals, being happy together comes organically. At the same time, it puts the principle of detachment into play to a certain degree, due to which partners can support each other through tough times without being shaken by it to the same degree as their better halves.

  1. Seek professional help when needed:

If one struggles with some marital issues that one cannot resolve by themselves, seeking professional help might be of service. While you attempt to strengthen your relationship, advice and assistance can be obtained from a counselor or therapist. Sometimes, even the healthiest marriages can benefit from professional help. If you are struggling with communication, trust issues, or other challenges, seek the assistance of a counselor or therapist. They can offer resources and techniques to help improve your relationship and overcome challenges.

In conclusion, work and commitment are indispensable to creating and maintaining a happy marriage, but the benefits are tremendous. You can develop a long-lasting and satisfying connection with your partner by working as a team, showing appreciation, and practicing efficient communication.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

10 signs that your relationship is unhealthy and how to address it

“In human relationships, distance is not measured in miles but in affection. Two people can be right next to each other yet miles apart.”

Human relationships are never absolute, and being variable is their fundamental nature. We can make mistakes and view them as learning lessons. We all can do our best by recognizing unhealthy and inappropriate behavior and switching it to healthy behavior patterns. Everyone should be mindful that relationships that restrict or cease growth are approaching the wrong path. Addressing them on time and being responsive enough to act upon them is essential.

The 10 most common unhealthy behavior patterns in a relationship are:

Dishonesty: Lying is one of the quickest ways to ruin a beautiful relationship.

Manipulation: Feeling controlled in a relationship can restrict one’s freedom.

Possessiveness and jealousy: Jealousy can turn a relationship unhealthy when the other person controls you and does not trust you.

Abuse: Emotional, physical, mental, and psychological abuse is unpleasant for one’s mental health.

Feeling neglected: if his/her basic needs are unattended, one might feel ignored and unimportant.

Disrespect: Respect in a relationship is the main characteristic of a healthy relationship.

Lack of trust: Lack of trust can increase the levels of anxiety and level of frustration.

Lack of communication : Not communicating well can increase misunderstanding and affect your compatibility.

Resentment: Holding onto grudges can result in affecting the intimacy level.

Codependency: It is when one of the two loses their sense of independence, eventually leading to “needy behavior”.

How to address it?

Recognize the warning signs: Before addressing the unhealthy patterns in a relationship, it is essential to recognize what they are. These can include communication breakdowns, frequent arguments or conflicts, emotional or physical abuse, controlling or manipulative behavior, or a lack of trust.

Identify the root cause: Once you have recognized the signs of an unhealthy relationship, it is needful to identify the underlying cause. Often, issues stem from past traumas or unresolved emotional issues that might be impacting your partner or yourself.

Communicate openly: Communication is the key to any healthy relationship. Be honest and open about your feelings and concerns, and be willing to have a two-sided communication.

Set boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries can help prevent unhealthy behaviors from escalating. It can include setting limits on particular behaviors or establishing rules around communication or time spent together.

Seek professional help: If the constant unhealthy patterns are concerning you, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor. They can provide valuable insights and tools to help you overcome these issues.

Practice self-care: Taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being is crucial when dealing with an unhealthy relationship. Make time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy.

Build a support network: Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family members can help you stay grounded and provide a safe space to share your feelings and concerns.

Be patient: Healing takes time, so it’s vital to be patient and compassionate with yourself and your partner as you work through these issues.

Practice forgiveness: Letting go of past hurts and resentments is an important step in healing an unhealthy relationship. Practice forgiveness, both for yourself and your partner to move forward in a positive direction.

Know when it is time to walk away: Ultimately if an unhealthy relationship is causing you more harm than good, it may be time to consider ending it. Trust your instincts and prioritize your own well-being above all else.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

COPING STRATEGIES FOR COUPLES EXPERIENCING INFERTILITY

Infertility occurs when a couple is unable to conceive despite engaging in regular, unprotected sexual activity for at least a year. Problems with both the male and female reproductive systems can lead to infertility. For males, sperm motility issues, low sperm counts, sperm morphology issues (abnormal sperm shape), and sperm ejection issues can all contribute to infertility. A variety of endocrine system, ovarian, fallopian tube, and uterine abnormalities can be the cause of infertility in females.

Infertility can be both Primary or Secondary. Primary infertility occurs when a couple has never been able to conceive. After successfully giving birth to a child in the past, a couple may experience secondary infertility, which makes it difficult for them to become pregnant and carry a child to term again. Many factors, such as age, lifestyle changes, weight gain, reproductive health, and others, may contribute to secondary infertility.

Both heterosexual and same-sex couples can experience infertility. The path to parenthood is filled with emotional, financial, and legal obstacles for same-sex couples. Finding a surrogate or egg donor can be a significant challenge for gay couples and lesbian couples alike.

The inability to conceive is a difficult condition to manage because, in addition to the physical issues, it can result in a host of emotional issues as well (such as feelings of failure, shame, anger, guilt, and inadequacy). It could lead to conflict between the spouses, financial strain, and a great deal of stress for the couple as they try to manage expectations from friends and family.

The lives of couples who are experiencing infertility are significantly impacted. Divorce, emotional stress, violence, social stigma, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression may affect women negatively. Males may feel inadequate, think they failed, feel guilty, have relationship problems, lose control, and view themselves as flawed.

For a couple’s emotional and physical well-being, coping with infertility is extremely important. Some techniques for doing so are as follows.

– Open communication between the couple. No matter how difficult it may be, it is crucial, to be honest, and it is equally crucial to respect each other’s feelings. Respecting your partner’s experience and accepting that they might not cope with things the same way you do is also essential.

– Rekindle your relationship’s intimacy. Take care of each other, go on dates, and pick up the activities that used to make you happy.

– Practising Self Care. According to Audre Lorde, taking care of oneself is a form of self-preservation. One can relax and improve their physical and mental health by taking up new hobbies or picking up old ones, going for a relaxing walk or practising yoga, among other things.

– Allowing yourself time to feel and recognise your emotions.

– Seeking emotional support can assist you in sorting through your feelings. Tell your family and close friends how you feel. Spend more quality time together with your children (in the case of secondary infertility).

– Look for expert assistance. It would aid in making more informed decisions, understanding your emotions, and dealing with them more effectively.

– Put your health first. Get regular exercise and eat well.

– Take a break from trying to conceive if things are getting too hard.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

Benefits of Couples Therapy and How to Choose the Right Therapist

Couples therapy, also referred to as couples counselling, is a type of therapy designed to assist couples in resolving disputes, enhancing communication, and fortifying their bond. It entails working with a certified therapist who focuses on assisting couples to overcome obstacles and strengthen their bond.

An intimate relationship has a significant impact on one’s mental and physical health. When a couple’s relationship functions well it can provide the joy of sharing life’s journey and be a source of great support to manage life’s stresses. A disturbed and conflicted relationship can cause a lot of loneliness, anguish, and suffering.

Distress in romantic relationships and divorce is widespread. The divorce rate is the most obvious, reliable indicator of hardship. Along with divorce, many relationships go through periods of intense conflict that put the partners at risk for the emergence of psychological disorders. In a survey the most frequently cited causes of acute emotional distress were couple relationship problems. Representative surveys show a moderate to strong association between relationship distress and common psychological disorders in the spouses – notably depression, anxiety disorders, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Relationship distress is also associated with poor work performance and research indicates that two-thirds of clients seeking assistance with workplace-related concerns from employee assistance programs cite family problems as considerable or severe. Conflict in couple relationships, in particular, is associated with poor physical health. The partners in distressed relationships do not live as long, reporting more health problems and using health services substantially more than people in satisfying relationships.

Couple relationship distress and impact are not limited to the adult partners. Studies consistently link unhappy marriage relationships to unfavourable parent-child interactions. Parents in unhappy marital relationships are more inclined to use harsh, abusive, and inconsistent parenting techniques than parents in happy relationships. They are also less likely to engage in positive parenting strategies like support and acceptance along with appropriate and consistent discipline. Children raised by parents who share a mutually satisfying relationship are benefitted on many dimensions, such as psychological adjustment and school attainment. Relationship distress is among the most frequent primary or secondary concerns reported by individuals seeking assistance from mental health professionals.

Research indicates that couple therapy can produce statistically and clinically significant reductions in relationship distress. Couple therapy can address those individual concerns because couple relationship distress is strongly linked to individual’s physical and psychological well-being.

Couples therapy demands a great degree of openness and trust therefore, it is crucial to find a therapist who both spouses feel at ease with. When meeting with a potential therapist, finding out how they approach couples therapy and what strategies they use can be helpful. Some therapists might take a more psychodynamic stance, while others would place more emphasis on communication skills. Finding a therapist whose approach is acceptable to both parties is essential. The right therapist is objective and nonjudgmental and will be able to assist both spouses in understanding their contribution to the relationship issues without picking sides or assigning blame. Finally, it is critical to choose a counsellor who is dedicated to assisting both spouses in realizing their objectives.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

Why it’s important to make time for date nights in a marriage

You are making a decision that will last a lifetime when you decide to get married. You’ve decided to spend the rest of your life with this person, through all the good and bad times. However, after marriage, married couples alter their attitudes towards what they two have to offer to keep marriage happy and refreshing with each passing year.

Dating was a way to be together and connect in a variety of ways when you were still single. Why then do we not continue after the wedding? Or after the arrival of children? Most problems start to arise when couples get busy and quit taking time out for each other.

If you see yourself in this situation, you are not alone. We got you!

You might ask yourself about what can help you revive your marriage. Can it be as simple as planning and going for date nights? Yes, there are a lot of good changes seen when couples decide to continue dating after marriage. But one might wonder how.

It is important to catch up on what has been going on in one another’s life. This can help each spouse support the other and grow together.

Let us see a few of the advantages of date nights with your spouse.

1. Improving communication

We can improve our communication skills by spending one-on-one time with one other. There are various things going on in our everyday lives that can make it hard to talk to our partner. A night out offers the couple a chance to continually getting to know their companion and helps them realize what is generally vital to one another and work through any errors or miscommunications.

2. Gives a chance to relax and take a break from daily stresses

Despite the love for their children, couples occasionally require a break. A comfortable space where you don’t need to stress over family tasks and cooking. It’s nice to take a break from the bills and important decisions in life that always surround us and just, have fun!

3. Helps partners grow closer and re-kindle romance

As couples spent time through dates, it helps them reminisce their early days of falling in love. Together, they can realise many other aspects to focus instead of regular tasks. Individual time can bring back memories of life before children and other added pressures. Everyone is at their worst under stress. One need unhurried time together because of this!

4. Helps you increase your commitment

You can increase your commitment by spending time together and continuing to get to know each other. The more dates that you go on, the greater encounters you need to draw from when you go through a preliminary. You can “build a reserve of love” in this way.

The real demonstration of making time in your timetable, getting a sitter, choosing where to go, and so forth is a demonstration of responsibility by itself. It’s difficult to do, but it’s crucial to strengthening your relationship in marriage.

5. Teach your children by example

Going on dates shows couples’ kids how important maintaining relationships are. They are aware that you prioritize your marriage because of the genuine time you give each other through dates. They will benefit from this as they mature and begin their own relationships.

Although regular upkeep is important, a date night can give things a little extra. It offers chances for honest communication, encourages partners to be happy and affectionate, and provides assurances of commitment and fulfilment. According to research, going on dates fosters commitment, care for the relationship, increased time spent getting to know the other person, shared enjoyment, and improved communication.

BY: Dr. Prerna Kohli

How to Maintain Intimacy in a Long Term Relationship or Marriage

Imagine a relationship without a fight, an argument, a disagreement, or an unresolved issue. That’s the goal, isn’t it? The initial honeymoon period has it all, the intensity of emotions and the desire, but with time, life happens, and days, months and years pass by in trying to resolve the day-to-day struggles every couple goes through. While intimacy may mean something different to each individual, the core idea is the same, to not feel unheard, alone, and undesired by your partner. You can fuel the flame of intimacy for many years to come by prioritizing it in your relationship. Here are some tips on how to keep the intimacy alive:

How to Maintain Intimacy in a Long Term Relationship or Marriage

  1. Make time for each other: Set aside quality time for just the two of you regularly. This could be a date night, a weekend getaway, or even just an evening at home with no distractions (and yes, that means putting your phones away for the night!)
  2. Two-way Communication: Talk to your partner about your feelings, desires, and needs. Share your thoughts and listen to theirs without judgment. Be present and engaged when your partner talks to you. Honest communication is the key to building intimacy.
  3. Be affectionate: Touch can be a nonverbal way to express emotions, such as comfort, support, and affection, and can help to strengthen the emotional bond between partners. When we touch our partner, we release oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone,” which can promote feelings of closeness and bonding.
  4. Forget spontaneity – Schedule date nights!  Scheduling sex with your partner may feel awkward or unromantic, but it can be a helpful way to prioritize sexual intimacy in your relationship. Be willing to adjust your schedule if necessary, but make sure to find a time that works for both of you. Don’t make it feel like a chore: Remember that scheduling sex is about making time for intimacy, not about checking off a to-do list.
  5. Keep things exciting: Try new things together, whether it’s a new hobby, a new restaurant, or a new vacation destination. Surprise your partner with unexpected gifts or experiences Laughing and having fun together is an important part of keeping things exciting in a marriage.
  6. Emotional connection: Develop a strong emotional connection by being supportive, understanding, and empathetic towards your partner. Encourage your partner in all their goals and aspirations. Being a cheerleader for your partner can help build trust and deepen your connection.
  7. Maintaining an identity as an individual: While being in a close and committed relationship often involves some level of compromise and mutual influence, it is also essential to maintain a sense of self and individuality. Establishing healthy boundaries allows each partner to express their needs, preferences, and values without sacrificing their sense of self. This can help prevent feelings of resentment, suffocation, or loss of personal power.

As variable as these suggestions might be, the most optimal way to maintain intimacy in a relationship is best known by you and your partner. The core strength of companionship lies right where both individuals feel the strongest. The steering of a relationship needs to be mutually communicated, planned, rightly timed, emotionally balanced, and carefully trodden. The absolute best way to kick this off is to discuss all these aspects of intimacy with your partner.

 

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