Jing Huang, MSW

It takes a second to fall in love, but it takes a lifelong to enrich the love.

Nowadays, the social environment is not nurturing enough for close relationships. To name a few, fast paced work or ongoing financial stress are making people emotionally less available for their partners; more and more entertaining activities such as videos online are taking the time away from their partners. For those who are struggling with their close relationship, give an applause to yourself, because you are strong enough to face the adventure. For those who are seeking couples counselling, reward and be proud of yourself, because you are brave enough to explore a better self and better relationship. Working on your close relationship might be a tough journey, but it has a lifelong benefit: accept and be accepted who you are, appreciate and be appreciated who you love, and enjoy the journey you both are traveling together.

There are numerous ways to connect with your partner on a daily basis. Here I am sharing 20 small things you can do in a day to make your close relationship tasty.

1.     Gently wake up your partner.

2.     Stretch together and share your dreams on bed.

3.     Express your gratitude of the new day and share the joy with your partner.

4.     Dress up and show your partner the best of yourself.

5.     Cook and eat breakfast together.

6.     Pack a lunch for each other.

7.     Leave a little love note to your partner in unexpected places or in his/her purse to go to work.

8.     Text or call your partner at break to check in or say “I miss you”.

9.     Greet your partner cheerfully when come back home.

10.  Silent your phone and enjoy your time with each other.

11.  Share your day with your partner and ask your partner’s.

12.  Cook and eat dinner together.

13.  Share household chores.

14.  Do activity together, such as walking, reading, or wildflower picking.

15.  Watch a movie/TV show or listen to music while cuddling or massaging each other on the couch.

16.  Plan for a date or a normal next day together.

17.  Recognize and celebrate your partner’s accomplishments.

18.  Cheer each other up and provide affirmation and reassurance if needed.

19.  Shower or bath together.

20.  Go to bed at the same time.

Maintaining a close relationship is a lifelong journey, but every moment counts. Create your own joyful and meaningful moments together and deposit them each day into your shared account that saves your gratitude, fulfills your needs and wants, nurtures encouragement and support, and fosters closeness and intimacy for both of you. Then enjoy this tasty relationship. You well deserve it!