This post originally appeared on Renewed Relationship Counseling Group’s blog.

There’s nothing like spending quality time with your partner to feel close and connected. But in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be challenging to carve out time for an elaborate date night or a weekend getaway. Luckily, incorporating small gestures throughout your day add up in a big way. Here are six simple yet meaningful ways to connect with your partner.

Use the 6-Second Trick

When it comes to kissing, six is the magic number. According to The Happiness Project, kissing your partner for at least six seconds allows oxytocin, the feel-good chemical, to start flowing. This happy hormone is vital for fostering social bonds. It lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and increases your sense of social connection. By filling these six seconds with genuine warmth, you lay the foundation for a deeper emotional connection.

Say Hello and Goodbye

Establish a ritual for saying hello and goodbye to one another. Routinely marking the moments when you part and come back together creates a positive association with your partner and calms anxiety. The most impactful rituals will have a physical element and a words element. Combining that six-second kiss with an “I love you” grounds your nervous system and sends the message that you matter.

Express Appreciation

Never underestimate the power of appreciation. A simple “thank you” or a heartfelt note can go a long way towards connecting in relationships. Think of how good it feels when your partner acknowledges the efforts you’ve put into the relationship. Expressing gratitude creates positive feelings, promotes commitment, and helps you feel more connected with your partner.

Take Advantage of Technology

A virtual version of your partner is right at your fingertips. Texting, FaceTime, and photo sharing are great ways to keep your partner involved in your day-to-day activities when you’re physically apart. Sending that funny cat video or sharing a new recipe communicates more than meets the eye. It’s a way to say to your partner, “You’re on my mind.”

Be Busy… Together

How often do you find yourself tackling your to-do list solo? Consider incorporating your partner into these daily activities. Shopping for groceries, going to the gym, or doing your nighttime skincare routine can be done as a pair. These small yet consistent activities become cornerstones of connection.

Practice Mindful Communication

When you do have time together, be fully present. Avoid the temptation to multitask or let distractions take you away from quality time together. Yes, that means putting the phone far, far away. By giving your partner your undivided attention, you create moments of genuine connection that contribute to a resilient and thriving relationship.

Your next steps to strengthening your relationship

At the end of the day, maintaining a strong bond with your partner requires intention and effort. By making the most of small moments, you can nurture a deep and meaningful connection that withstands the challenges of a hectic schedule.

Ready to explore this further in therapy?

If you and your partner are continuously missing each other or having communication issues, a skilled therapist can help. As an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I specialize in helping couples move out of their negative patterns and build a stronger connection.

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