Simple Things That Can Bring Couples Closer

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Erica Carpenter

Erica Carpenter, Psychologist

Expertise: Psychologist

Erica Carpenter, PhD, LMFT Associate is a couple and family therapist in Flower Mound, Texas. She is also adjunct faculty at Texas Woman's University. You can learn more... Read more

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Updated: 29 Jan, 2023

Table of Contents

Keep learning about each other by setting aside time to swap questions and listen deeply, showing interest beyond surface details so both partners feel seen and valued.
Try new activities together to create shared memories and build courage as a team, appreciating nerves as a sign of growth and cherishing the fun you discover along the way.
Be present with each other by carving undistracted time weekly, turning off devices and focusing on the moment, which deepens trust, warmth, and emotional connection.

When couples are still in the early phases of a relationship and in the “love bubble”, it often seems effortless and takes little work. But once that phase wears off, the truth is, building a strong relationship takes work. While building your relationship may not always be easy, there are some fun, small things you can do today to have a stronger relationship, enhance your bond, and feel closer to your partner. These little habits that bring couples closer together surely pave the way for a smooth ride of the relationship.

Keep learning about each other

Part of the fun and excitement of the early stages of a relationship is learning about your partner (their interests, their favorite movies/songs, etc.). Just think about it. What do cute couples do? They try to discover all the cute and not-so-cute things about their partner and the bond just strengthens from there.

Even after couples have been together for years, partners can still continue to learn about each other. One way to do this is to set aside time to sit together and take turns asking each other questions to learn more about them and start the conversation.

There are various apps and card games out there that can provide questions for partners to ask each other, but you can also make up your own questions! These questions can be as simple as “What is a song on the radio right now you like?” to deeper questions such as “What is the current fear you have?”

In addition to asking the questions, asking follow-up questions after your partner responds can also help you show interest and encourage them to continue sharing.

Try new activities together

Trying a new activity together that neither of you have done before can be a great bonding experience. Taking a class, learning a new skill, or exploring a new city are a few examples of activities you can experience as a first together. Depending on what the activity is, there may be some nerves or fears around trying something new.

Having your partner there to experience this with you can help calm your nerves and encourage you to be brave in trying something new.

Plus, you are creating a great memory you can look back on and reminisce about together! Such activities may also bring out your differences but it’s okay. Well, does fighting bring couples closer, you may ask. To an extent, it does. In fact, it is way better than keeping the channels of communication closed by snubbing your partner or taking them for granted by doing nothing new.

Work on a project together

How do I make my relationship closer?

Being lovey-dovey is okay but a relationship also flourishes when the partners share a purpose and a sense of fulfilment after achieving a goal.

Whether it’s a chore around the house or planning a get-together with friends, working together as a team towards a shared goal can help bring you closer together. The process is a great opportunity to spend quality time together, and you can celebrate your accomplishment together.

Set future goals

How do you bond with your significant other with an eye on growing old together? See the future with them. Set goals and make plans together as a couple, such as planning a vacation you have always wanted to go on or making a vision board about what your future home will look like.

Sharing your dreams and goals with each other can help you feel closer to your partner through planning your future together.

Be present with each other

Life can often get hectic and it is easy to become distracted when you are supposed to be spending time with your partner. Intentionally set aside some time each week where phones are put away, the TVs are turned off and you are spending time just being present with your partner.

This could be at home or out to dinner at your favorite restaurant. It doesn’t really matter what you are doing, as long as you are giving each other your undivided attention and sharing a positive experience together.

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Erica Carpenter Psychologist

Erica Carpenter, PhD, LMFT Associate is a couple and family therapist in Flower Mound, Texas. She is also adjunct faculty at Texas Woman's University. You can learn more... Read more about her work and read her blog at www.carpentercoupleandfamilycounseling.com. Read less

(Erica Carpenter is also listed in Best Marriage Therapists in Flower Mound)