The beginning of relationships is an exciting time full of romance and getting to know one another.

We spend time being curious, asking questions, and learning about this new interesting person in our life. We find ourselves sharing our dreams, our thoughts, and our fears. Ultimately, we’re working towards developing an emotional connection. It’s the most exciting time in a new relationship.

Then, as time goes by, you may feel as though this spark has begun to dim. The excitement may be overshadowed by daily stress and responsibilities. Conversations may be focused on tasks that need to be completed and passing along quick messages. Communication now happens in between work and running errands instead of the fulfilling dialogue that once was.

Effective Communication Matters in Relationships

Ultimately, effective communication is an essential part of all relationships.

Intimate communication helps maintain a strong bond with your partner by reinforcing your connection and helping each partner feel heard. These are a few ways you can intentionally deepen the connection within your relationship:

Encourage Communication with Your Spouse/Partner

Making intentional time to connect is an essential first step in promoting more communication. Rather than communicating quickly in between conference calls or on your way out the door, set aside time to speak with one another and check in. Bonus points: Schedule a date night to encourage time to communicate, free from distraction!

Practice Active Listening

Once we’re able to solidify communication expectations, then’s the time to shut the TV off when having conversations! Often we are multi-tasking while talking (looking at our phones, watching TV, or even driving). These activities prevent us from reading our partner’s body language and can lead to miscommunication. When working on strengthening your connection, make it a point to set aside distractions while talking.

Practice Empathy & Validate your Partner’s Emotions

When listening to your partner speak, imagine what emotion they may be feeling. Offer them a non-judgmental and safe space to be themselves. Asking your partner open-ended questions and follow-up questions, (pro tip: there are apps for this, like Lovewick!). These questions and listening encourage a richer discussion and deeper understanding of how they may be feeling.

Lastly, never stop being curious!

It’s easy to get lost in the mundane routine of things and forget about the things that first attracted you to your partner. Remind yourself, lovingly, about the character traits and first impressions that made you originally fall in love with them. Base the conversations around those things, how they’re now similar, and how they’ve changed.

Begin Relationship Therapy & Couples Counseling in Philadelphia, PA

Relationships are difficult, but a healthy relationship is worth the work it takes to learn to communicate and work together. Many, many couples find it challenging to navigate the stressful times that always come up in a relationship. And good, healthy communication takes work. Therefore, it’s not unusual for couples to seek the help of a relationship therapist or marriage counselor. In fact, us couples therapists wish more people would seek help earlier on!

If you live in Pennsylvania, our couples therapists would love to help! Whether you’re just now entering a committed relationship looking for relationship therapy early on, engaged and wanting premarital counseling to set a strong foundation or have been married for many years and looking for marriage counseling to really strengthen your bond, we can help. We offer in person counseling in our counseling office near Philadelphia or online anywhere in Pennsylvania.

To start getting professional support improving the communication in your relationship, reach out today. We also offer individual therapy, teen counseling & therapy for young adults. We want to support you, your partner and every member of your family.

About the Author: Ashley Regina

As a couples therapist in Philadelphia, PA my goal is to help people understand their experiences in a space that promotes growth and healing. My counseling approach is a collaborative relationship built on curiosity, reflection, and insight. My life experiences and desire to help others are what drove me to become a therapist, and I hope to share some of those in your journey. Read more about me on my page, or reach out to me via our contact form!