Bonding is so important for us that since the moment we are born we start to bond with our caregiver. In an intimate relationship, bonding is essential because it fosters a sense of security, a feeling of belonging and of being loved. And to feel loved and to belong by your partner, you definitely need to spend time together, have fun and enjoy each other’s company. The following are 10 bonding activities that a couple can do to bond together when spending time with each other.
1. Get out of the house
During the past two years, we have all spent more time indoors and hence, now it is definitely the time to get out of the house and get some fresh air. Head to an open space, maybe a stroll by the beach or head to some nature paths.
2. Exercise together
Get active together. Training together can be encouraging to a partner who finds it hard to get moving on one’s own. You can start with a walk around the blocks and then maybe go out of your comfort zone and join a class such as; yoga, aerobics, fly bungee fitness or to the gym. When exercising your body releases endorphins, a chemical which makes you feel good.
3. Complete a project together
There is surely a project at home that was left unfinished or you haven’t even started yet. Sit down and plan to finish this project that you have been mentioning for the past months or even years. This can be from repainting the bedroom to gardening however, it can also be a new venture that you have been postponing for years. Sharing interests can release another chemical in the brain that is the dopamine which is a pleasure neurotransmitter that is usually present when a couple starts to date, this can take you back to your beginnings which maybe made you fall in love 😉
4. Dine in or out
Take it to the kitchen and cook something together and for each other. Try a new recipe or maybe a new cuisine which you might discover to have in common. You can opt to dine-out if you haven’t done this lately. Book a place which you used to go together, this brings back memories.
5. Plan for the future
Discuss a venture that you wish to take together. Talk about something that you both have in your bucket list and make this an ‘us’ bucket list where you share ventures with your partner.
6. Volunteer together
This is not something that many would think of however, couples who invest their time to volunteer together argue that when they invest to give to others, in return they receive a lot. Hence, find something that you have interest in both such as; volunteering in an elderly home or maybe an animal sanctuary.
7. Attend a class together
Learn something together, agree to join a class of cooking or dancing class, or maybe attend for a couple’s workshop. Achieving the same goal will bring you closer as a team, as one.
8. Switch off mobile phones and other gadgets for one evening
Challenge yourselves and stay away from technology for one evening. Find another activity that you can do together such as playing a card game or a board game.
9. Self-care together and intimacy
Go on a weekend break or a vacation that you have been postponing. During this getaway, make sure that you be intimate in all the senses that is; physical, emotional and sensual. Make sure that you both relax and recharge. If you go abroad make sure to take some pics, you will make fond of these memories and when you go through the pics together you will revisit these memories together.
10. Sit down and communicate
The most precious gift that one can give is the gift of self. Hence, give your partner the gift of yourself by giving your full attention to your partner. Pick a topic and discuss it with your loved one or talk about something that you have been postponing to discuss for some time. Listen actively and attentively to your partner but most importantly listen to understand your partner’s feelings and listening to respond. This will show your partner that you care about them because you want to communicate your thoughts and feelings to them, even if you might not agree but you can still talk about these different perspectives. Sharing your thoughts and ideas will make you bond as this helps you to understand what your partner needs and how s/he feels.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Rachel Osmond is a Family Therapist with Willingness who works with individuals, couples and families. She also has experience with children and adolescents.
References
Ryan, B. (2022) ‘30 Couple Bonding Activities to Strengthen the Relationship’ Retrieved on 25th November, 2022 via https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/couple-bonding-activities-to-strengthen-the-relationship/