Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

January 12, 2015

Date Each Other Again

Relationships shift and change with time.  Sometimes, our relationships fall into comfortable routines but lose the spark and excitement they possessed early on.  Other times, issues and struggles, like addiction, can throw curve balls into relationships making even a comfortable routine a challenge.  Consciously dating each other again can help restore some of the spark relationships inherently possess early on.  Some ways you can rekindle the flame are buying flowers for no reason, sending or leaving a love note, or arranging for an evening alone.  If you are in the midst of struggles that are impacting your relationship (such as addiction), you can show your interest and commitment by verbally or in writing expressing appreciation for your partner and what they are doing (through their action or their patience).  Relationships need nurturance to thrive.  Continuing to date your partner is one way to nurture your relationship.

What did I do to show my interest and commitment to my partner early in our relationship?  What am I doing now to express to my partner my interest and commitment?  If I have done something that has stressed or damaged our relationship, am I expressing apology and appreciation for my partner?