Building a Stronger Relationship
As we step into a new year, many of us take the opportunity to reflect and set fresh goals. While personal resolutions often take centre stage, focusing on our relationships is equally important. For couples looking to deepen their connection, setting relationship goals can lead to a more fulfilling partnership. This year, consider using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) principles to guide your journey together.
Make More Time for Each Other
It can be easy to let quality time with our partner slip down the priority list in our busy lives. One goal for the new year could be to carve out regular “couple time.” This could be a weekly date night, a weekend getaway, or simply turning off your phones for a couple of hours to enjoy each other’s company.
To put this into practice, sit down together and discuss your schedules. Identify pockets of time you can dedicate to each other, whether cooking a meal together or taking a stroll in a nearby park. By actively prioritising this time, you reinforce the idea that your relationship is a cherished commitment.
Create Emotional Safety
Emotional safety is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship. EFT emphasises the importance of partners feeling secure enough to express their feelings without fear of judgment or rejection. This year, focus on building an environment where you can communicate openly.
Start by checking in with each other regularly about how you’re feeling. Encourage vulnerability by sharing your thoughts and emotions honestly. If difficult topics arise, practice active listening—validate each other’s feelings and avoid jumping to solutions. This helps cultivate trust and reinforces the idea that you’re a team facing challenges.
Explore Goals Together
Setting shared goals can strengthen your bond and foster a sense of partnership. Sit down together and discuss what you both want to achieve as individuals and as a couple. This could be anything from travelling to a new destination to adopting healthier habits or even tackling a home project together.
As you set these goals, reflect on how they align with your emotional needs. EFT encourages couples to understand each other’s attachment styles—knowing how each responds to stress can help you navigate challenges as a unit.
Conclusion
This New Year, let’s resolve to improve ourselves and enhance our relationships. You can foster a deeper connection with your partner by making time for each other, creating emotional safety, and exploring shared goals. As you embark on this journey together, remember that the goal isn’t perfection but growth and connection. Here’s to a year of love, understanding, and shared adventures!
If you want to strengthen your relationship, please contact me via email at I see clients from my office in Hove and online globally.