Relationship Blues?? Time to Shift it into Thrive!

Enough of this! Looking for ways to enhance your relationship with your partner? Or perhaps the time has come to shake things up because they have become stagnant? While no relationship is perfect, learn to handle conflict skillfully and don’t let issues get out of hand. Many couples already are on solid ground (truly you are) and simply need to build each other up.

Examine your Relationship’s foundation

No one likes the relationship blues! If you are on shaky ground, the steps below may be of value when trying to create a thriving relationship. Here are some tips you can start with today! Make the time to shift it into THRIVE!

Evaluate your current status by listing out all the great qualities each of you have and how far you have come together already. Remember the values you have that helped create each of you and the relationship you have built. Sometimes it is just too easy to forget when we lead busy lifestyles or as time has passed, we overlook them. Think of all the passions and desires you have been missing. Select one to focus on with your partner.

Find your common ground

Make a plan. Start with baby steps and see if you can create more excitement or time together and reignite the flames or move farther in the directions you want to go. For example: maybe you have been so busy that you have not made time to watch the sunset together or take that refreshing break at your favorite spot with your partner lately. These aren’t expensive things but may just be the quality time that you are missing. Time and attention are often times exactly what we are needing to fulfill our souls, build us back up and help us bond. We need to find that common ground!

Time to Shift Into Thrive!!

Feeling undervalued can feel like no one cares or notices you. Who wants to feel like that?! Shake-up your schedule and find ways to schedule time together–something old; something new. Let’s examine some ways to help each other thrive and get started right now! Remember the overall goal is to move from status quo to thriving which may certainly require more effort.

Here are several ways you can build up your partner’s morale by showing appreciation and help your relationship not only feel better but thrive! Customize them to be as simple or complex as fits your situation. Discuss a list of things you each feel would help!

1. Set a goal to give extra heartfelt compliments regularly.
2. Plan a couple of extra ways you can make each other’s days less stressful! Follow through.
3. Schedule time for each other on the calendar that is non-negotiable.
   • Date night, a consistent walk, planning something special together. Avoid interruptions and distractions.
4. Set a goal for the future such as a getaway and start planning this together.

Acts of appreciation to show support

Personally, my husband’s work schedule changes. Most days he is up way before dawn. He appreciates it if I get up and spend his breakfast time with him. Do I pull this off daily? No way, because I’m a morning bearcat sometimes, but Brian appreciates hanging out with me before a big day of work. Another example is just the simple wording of a random note. How we write to each other can change how the day starts. Checking in via text or email message just says ‘hey checking in on you’ and shows you care. There are a multitude of options possible!