How often when someone asks “How are you?” - the response is ‘Busy’ or indeed the question is ‘Are you keeping busy’, and the answer is “You bet”.
I appreciate we are all busy; nevertheless, we need to create opportunities in our relationship, to connect, to generate fondness and friendship, to update each other on how we are traveling through time and space individually and together. Over this Easter break take time to focus on building stronger connections. Here are eight suggestions to help do this.
1. Practice kindness: Be kind and generous with your partner, family, and friends during this holiday season. Small acts of kindness, such as a thoughtful gift or a heartfelt compliment, can go a long way in building strong relationships.
2. Express gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful tool for improving relationships. Take time to appreciate the people in your life and the connections you have. Take a few moments to reflect on what you're grateful for in your relationship. This can help you both feel more positive and appreciative of each other.
3. Spend quality time together: Use this time off as an opportunity to spend time with loved ones and strengthen your relationships. Plan fun activities or outings and make time for meaningful conversations.
4. Make time for each other: During Easter celebrations, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and neglect your partner. Make a conscious effort to spend quality time with each other, even if it's just for a few minutes.
5. Communicate openly: Holidays can be stressful, so it's important to communicate openly with your partner about your feelings and concerns. This can help you both feel more supported and connected. Use "I" statements to express your thoughts and feelings and avoid blaming or criticizing others.
6. Practice empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. During Easter, take the time to really listen to your loved ones and try to understand their perspective. Show them that you care and that you are there for them.
7. Consider building new rituals of connection, having rituals of connection is important for strengthening relationships. During Easter, consider creating some special traditions with your loved ones, such as having an Easter egg hunt, camping, picnics, Sunday lunch. These shared experiences can help deepen your connection with each other.
8. Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness is an important part of any relationship. If there have been conflicts or disagreements in your relationship, use the Easter season as an opportunity to practice forgiveness and move forward together more resilient.
These suggestions can serve as a helpful starting point to create a stronger more connected relationship over this Easter break and remember, every relationship is unique, so find out what builds closeness and connection in your relationship.