Having a successful relationship is always a goal for every couple. A big part of having a strong relationship is maintaining a strong bonding with one another. This is all about developing a close and personal attachment and feeling comfortable and safe with your partner. If the bond is weak or broken, your relationship may not last, or be as healthy as it could be.
Unfortunately, not every couple will have a strong bond, and this lack of a close relationship can ultimately lead to a breakup, or a stagnant relationship. Thankfully, there are many ways to strengthen the bond you have with your significant other. With that in mind, here are a few great ideas to build a stronger bond with your partner.
Take On Difficult Challenges Together
The first way to form a greater bond is to tackle difficult challenges together. Going through trying times with another person by your side can not only make the issues seem more manageable, it also gives you a shared experience, which is important for bonding.
For example, if you and your significant other struggle with alcoholism or drug abuse, going to rehab for couples can be much more beneficial than trying to handle your problems alone. Not only in order to rehabilitate, but to strengthen your relationship as well.
You could work through other difficult scenarios together, such as remodeling your home, dealing with the loss of a job, or recovering from an injury.
Getting through difficult challenges together can form an unbreakable bond and show your partner that you are there for them. If you can get through tough times and come out better on the other side, going through regular life together will be a walk in the park.
Find Time To Truly Communicate
Communication is perhaps the most important aspect of any successful relationship. It helps you see each other’s perspectives, and allows you both to voice concerns before they become big problems. Great communication also helps ensure you both want the same things out of the partnership, identify needs and wants, and show appreciation for one another in a way that is clear and understandable.
Communication is about more than just talking. You can communicate with your body language, eye contact, and in the tone of your voice. By understanding and knowing the importance of good communication, you can help to form a stronger bond with your partner. Also, the type of communication you have during arguments is crucial. Don’t resort to name-calling or shaming, as that does the opposite of strengthen your relationship.
Even if you lead busy lives, find at least a couple minutes a day to dedicate solely to communicating with each other. Face-to-face is always best, but if all you have is Skype or a phone call, that will work as well.
Appreciate Your Partner’s Interests and Hobbies
Expressing interest and curiosity in what your significant other enjoys is a great way to build a better bond. This could be an interest in art, sports, science, video games or anything in between. Asking them open-ended questions about these things can help them share their love or knowledge with you, and help you learn more about them and what they are passionate about.
This doesn’t mean you need to immediately take up the hobbies they have, but you can at least appreciate and acknowledge them. You need to accept the uniqueness of your partner, and the things they like. If these activities make them happy, that should make you happy as well. Also, just like learning and getting to know their interests, the same can be said for getting to know their family and friends.
If you simply exist as two complete individuals and don’t know anything about what the other person enjoys, it severely limits how closely you will be able to bond with one another.
Know the Importance of Physical Touch
The importance of physical touch in a relationship cannot be overstated. It helps produce oxytocin, the love hormone, and can play a special role in communicating well. Touch is an incredibly important sense and couples that don’t touch may not be able to get as close as those who do.
While a strong sexual connection is great, touch is about more than just being sexual. Touch can also show dedication, care and affection, all the while deepening your connection and helping the relationship stay exciting. Hugs, holding hands, or even just resting your hand on their leg while watching a movie are great for deepening a bond.
Not everyone has the same comfort level when it comes to physical touch. This is where great communication comes in. Always talk to your partner about their comfort level and work together to find a balance that works for the both of you.
Taking Your Relationship To the Next Level
Building a stronger bond in your relationship is completely possible if you are willing to put the work in. If you take on challenges together, find time to communicate, learn more about each other and focus on physical touch, you can take your relationship to the next level.
