Escape The Routine And Add Some Play Into Your Relationship

We all know the feeling of being in a rut in your relationship with your partner. All your time is consumed with going to work, taking care of family and maintaining the household. But if you can’t remember the last time you felt excited or curious with your partner about something that is going to happen then you need to add some play and adventure into your life. 

• When was the last time you felt excited and shared that with your partner?
• When was the last time you did something new together?

Play and adventure are critical to the success of your relationship yet it is usually at the bottom of our to-do list. When we experience something new and exciting it brings a pleasurable rush to the relationship and creates trust, intimacy and a deeper connection. 

A couple that tries something new together can bring a new interest to the relationship. Now you and your partner may have very different ideas of what is fun to do. One of you may be extremely daring and want to go river rafting or dirt bike riding when the other would prefer a cooking class or a nature walk. 

 According to Dr. John Gottman “It’s okay if you and your partner have different ideas about what constitutes play and adventure.The key is for you to respect each other’s sense of adventure and what it means to that partner”

There may be times when you experience the play separately and other times when it is something you choose to do together. If it is separate than it is wise to still make time to talk to your partner and let them share about their play, support them and encourage them because the joy that they get from that experience and knowing that you are encouraging them will create a trust and deeper connection.

It is important to also find a place where your different styles of play can connect. An activity that is new, challenging, fun and safe for both of you. The experience doesn’t have to be extreme, it simply has to be new and different, anything that pushes you outside the normal and stimulates you in a new way. There is something about facing the new challenge together, supporting each other, sharing a new experience and connecting in a new way. It could be trying a new restaurant, traveling to a new place, playing a board game or making new friends. Newness is the key, shake up the everyday with something new. We all need a spice of humor, laughter, fun and even silliness in our everyday life. 

Don’t allow your life to fall into a stagnant routine. We all need something to look forward to and to take our mind off the everyday responsibilities. I challenge you to be creative and make play a priority for the two of you. You will find it is worth it.

Written by Lisa Strong