Have you and your spouse found yourselves spending an extended period of time in your home together like many of us around the world right now, you’re self-quarantining in the face of a global pandemic.
Whatever the reason, the two of you are suddenly spending a lot more time together at home. It’s important to look at this time as an opportunity to reconnect with one another while deepening your relationship and making happy memories together. What if you can move from conflict in this season toward making this the best season of your relationship?
Whether you are an empty-nester or have kids at home, you can focus on your marriage right now. Let’s look at a few simple things you can do while you’re stuck at home together.
DEEP CONVERSATION
When is the last time the two of you sat down together, face to face, and had a deep, meaningful conversation? Now is the time to do it again! Commit to open, vulnerable communication, and listen to one another well. This is your chance to open up, and to be more open to your spouse.
WATCH MOVIES
Pop some popcorn, snuggle up on the couch with a blanket, and have a movie night! When it comes to choosing a movie, there are tons of options. You can watch some old favorites from your dating days, or check out something new. The goal is simply to have a good time together.
HAVE FUN
Do you have some favorite board games you enjoy playing together? Make an evening of it. Create your own scavenger hunt for your spouse to find love notes or other memorable items. You can also play a lighthearted game of spin-the-bottle to add in a little romance.
COOK
If either (or both) of you enjoys cooking, why don’t you create some of your favorite recipes for one another? Life can get so hectic that sometimes we don’t have the time to cook the way we’d like to. Take advantage of the slowdown and whip up a delicious meal or dessert.
REMINISCE
There’s nothing like photo albums and videos to spark fond memories between you and your spouse. If you have kids, get them in on the fun, too. Tell stories and share in those happy memories, and your kids might just learn a few new things about their parents and extended family.
DREAM
Disruptions and challenging times tend to remind us what our true priorities are. When we’re in the midst of a difficult time, those priorities lead us to dream of a better future. Spend some time with your spouse dreaming about positive changes you’d like to make going forward. Consider setting relationship goals.
You can talk about places you’d like to go and experiences you want to have when you return to your normal routine. Make a list if you want, so you can revisit it from time to time when life becomes hectic again.
RECONNECT
Now is the perfect time to get to know each other better than you ever have before. Deepening your relationship will pay dividends in the future, well beyond the time you’re spending at home right now.
Luckily, there are plenty tools that can help you out. The Prepare & Enrich Assessment is a quick, easy test the two of you can take to learn more about each other–and how to relate to one another better. If you want less conflict, better sex, more laughter, and deeper conversations, check it out.
Are you enjoying your time at home with your spouse? Let us know about some of the fun memories you’re making during this unusual time.
Reflections 