When you and your partner first get together, it seems like the sun, moon, and stars revolve around them, and neither of you can do any wrong in the other’s eyes. Then three months pass, or more, and suddenly, the honeymoon phase ends. The stars have faded, and you start wondering if you weren’t as meant-to-be as you thought.

Before you walk out the door, especially on a relationship that’s been building for years, check out these five easy couples therapy exercises to help strengthen your relationship and rekindle that honeymoon magic.

1. Don’t Go to Bed Angry

Counselors shout this one from the hilltops to many a couple undergoing marriage counseling, but it benefits you no matter what stage your relationship is currently in. Going to bed angry is a surefire way to wind up holding on to grudges.

Not only will stewing over unresolved issues ruin attempts to create intimacy, but it will also wreck your physical health as well. It’s not worth leaving things unsaid; talk it out before you hit the bed.

2. Practice Uninterrupted Listening

Sure, we’re often told to listen to our partners, especially in the context of couples therapy. But how often do we do it? When your partner speaks, are you listening to them, or are you listening to offer your own advice or interruptions?

How you listen to your partner is as important as the fact that you listen at all. Set a timer and let your partner rant until the timer runs out. Don’t interrupt, and don’t offer advice; listen, and be heard.

3. Hold Your Gazes

Staring deep into each other’s eyes seems like a cliche for lovestruck teens, but it’s one of the most well-regarded couples therapy techniques available.

It’s also stunningly difficult. Have you ever tried to hold a staring contest for longer than thirty seconds or so? Imagine that, but with someone who can read your emotions in your face and eyes.

It’s a vulnerable experience, but one that can create intimacy between the pair of you.

4. Let Yourselves Unplug

As much as online couples counseling is a fantastic convenience and timesaver, don’t forget that it’s important to unplug as well. Nothing can make a partner feel neglected quite like someone who’s always buried in their phone.

Whether that’s due to work, social media, or something else, constantly checking your phone makes your partner feel as if you care more about it than them. Unplug one night a week and do something together that requires face-to-face contact.

5. Never Forget Date Night

Piggybacking on the above point, many couples who want a healthy relationship neglect the easiest of couples therapy exercises: keeping date night a regular occurrence!

We get it: once jobs and especially kids get involved, making time to spend time with one another becomes a matter of scheduling, not spontaneity. However, if you let yourselves have those date nights where you can, you’ll find that you grow closer and keep the magic over time.

Couples Therapy Exercises Aren’t the Limit

The couples therapy exercises we’ve listed here are helpful for any relationship, not just one that’s struggling. However, they aren’t the limit of what you can do.

If you would like to learn more about therapeutic exercises to help you or your partner, reach out to us today. We’ll be happy to help you.