February Newsletter
How to stay connected with your partner
With February being Valentine’s month, you may be wondering how you can spice up your love life and reconnect with your loved one. Many couples forget how to connect in long-term relationships and assume that a romantic weekend away or gift will rekindle the spark. But it is in the small moments of everyday life that you build trust, and emotional connection, and reignite the passion.
It’s the little things…
A dazzling gift or a night out is a lovely treat, but relationship experts advise that being present to your partner in daily life creates a strong foundation for deep connection and lasting romance.
For example, consider:
- Cooking dinner together and really talking, rather than watching tv;
- Helping each other with household chores;
- Send thoughtful messages when you are apart;
- Remembering your partner’s favourite brand of coffee or chocolate;
- Thanking your partner for the little things they do every day;
- Small touches or kisses as you pass each other in the hallway;
- Noticing when your partner is tired and making a cup of tea;
- Leaving a cute note on the bathroom mirror;
- Stopping what you’re doing and paying attention when your partner needs you.
Really listen
Very often, those in long-term relationships feel unheard, emotionally disconnected, or misunderstood. The key is to create a safe environment for each other to share openly and honestly without interruption. Ask relevant questions, listen carefully, and remember the answers. For example, do you know what keeps your partner awake at night? What really interests them? How have they changed since last year? What is their favourite movie now?
Accept and Acknowledge
Learn to accept your partner warts and all, rather than criticising them or wishing they were different. Catch your partner doing something right and express your gratitude: “I noticed you took out the rubbish. Thank you, I really appreciate that.” Each time you do this, you strengthen your emotional connection and let your partner know they are valued.
In this month of love, be particularly alert as to the little moments you can create to reconnect with your loved one in a fresh and exciting way.
Reach out to LifeAssist to be connected to a couple’s counsellor if you need support to strengthen your relationship with your partner.
Coping with Impostor syndrome
Impostor syndrome is when you feel like a fraud who may get found out or who doesn’t belong, despite your achievements. Doubting yourself and your abilities can lead to severe consequences: anxiety, negative self-talk, low [...]
Is counselling for me?
Asking yourself this question suggests that you could be struggling. Counselling from a skilled professional may benefit you if you: often feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or irritable; are unable to find solutions to challenges; find [...]
Back to Basics: Practice Safe Sex
Sex is a natural part of life that offers intimacy and pleasure; but unprotected (without a condom) oral, anal, or vaginal sex can also lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), serious health complications, and unplanned [...]
Try Kindness: It’s good for you.
We all know that acts of kindness make us feel good; what’s exciting is that science has also found that these feelings are excellent for our health and well-being. True kindness is when we help [...]