What Conversations Should You Have With Your Partner, Even If Communication Isn’t Your Strong Suit?

In healthy, fulfilling relationships, communication is key. The ability to openly discuss thoughts, fears, desires, and needs with your partner can be the difference between mere attraction and deep, lasting intimacy. But let’s be honest—communication isn’t everyone’s strong suit. So, what can you do if talking about feelings doesn’t come naturally to you? Here are four essential “check-in” conversations you can have with your partner to strengthen your connection, even if communication isn’t your thing.

Essential Conversations to Strengthen Your Relationship

1. "I have been working on ________ lately, how has that been going?"

We all have personal or professional goals we strive to achieve, and relationship goals are no different. Whether you’ve been trying to be more patient, prioritize quality time, or improve your listening skills, it’s important to check in with your partner about your progress. Ask them if they’ve noticed any changes and whether those efforts are contributing to your relationship goals. This conversation not only shows your commitment to growth but also opens the door for valuable feedback.

2. "What do you need from me?"

It’s a simple question, but it’s often one of the hardest to ask. It can also be challenging for your partner to articulate their needs, so creating a safe space for this conversation is crucial. By asking this question, you’re inviting your partner to express what they need from you—something you might not have considered. If you want to be a better partner, this is the question to ask.

3. "I really feel most connected to you when __________."

Is there an activity or moment that makes you feel particularly close to your partner? Whether it’s cooking together, taking walks, or simply having a deep conversation, let them know. Remember, no one is a mind reader. By clearly communicating what makes you feel connected, you’re giving your partner a roadmap to fostering that closeness, which can deepen your bond.

4. "I really need space when __________."

While togetherness is important, so is having space. We all need alone time now and then, and it’s crucial to communicate this to your partner. Letting your partner know when you need space helps set clear boundaries and reduces the chances of misunderstandings. By being open about your need for alone time, you create a healthier, more balanced relationship.

Why Are These Conversations Important for Your Relationship?

These four conversations may seem simple, but they are powerful tools for improving communication and building a stronger connection with your partner. By regularly checking in with each other on these topics, you create an environment of openness and mutual respect. So, even if communication isn’t your strong suit, these questions can help you and your partner navigate your relationship more effectively.

These are just a few of our favorite questions and topics to discuss with your partner in order to strengthen communication. Comment below and let us know which are your favorite conversations and check out our instagram for more information about relationship and sexual wellness!

Combating Boredom As A "Quaran-team"

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room here, folks. Social distancing is, for the most part, boring. There are only so many times you can clean your bathroom and sitting inside watching television or reading sometimes feels unfulfilling, especially as Spring begins to slowly creep in. For those of you who are quaran-teaming up with a partner, dynamics within the relationship can change drastically too by the monotony. There are, however, ways to change that.

Challenge Your Mind And Each Other

Puzzles are totally in right now, and for great reason. Staring at a screen all day can cause tension headaches and is not the most mentally engaging activity. However, puzzles encourage teamwork, creativity, organization and can give partners a sense of mutual accomplishment. Remember how proud your partner made you when they put together that IKEA coffee table. Just wait until you help them put together 1,000 pieces to make the Taj Mahal. Don’t have a puzzle at home? Create a personalized one here.

Have a Fancy Dinner with a Private Chef

Ever felt like getting creative in the kitchen but didn’t have the time to prep and conceptualize the meal? Well, now you do. Find a recipe you will both enjoy and invest the time into perfecting it. Try to use ingredients you already have in the house (for social distancing purposes) and if you need to head to the grocery store, wear a mask and wash your hands. A candlelit dinner at home, with no imminent distractions and the feeling of knowing you created something special is well worth all the dishes to clean in the end. 

Start Planning Your Dream Home

Thinking about the future right now may seem scary, especially financially. But, hey, now is a great time to talk to your partner about what your preferences are in your dream home, and, even begin building it with virtual programs. This activity will allow you to flush out differences, discover similarities and give you something to look forward to when this crisis is one day behind us. 

Foster a Pet

I cannot emphasize enough, only foster an animal if you truly want to and believe you can supply it the attention and care it needs. If you can, this would be a great time to do it. Most couples’ biggest obstacle when it comes to bringing in a new furry friend is not being home enough to care for their pet and train it. With everyone home, this is a great time to see what it would be like to be a pet owner and, if you’re ready, adopt one full-time. Besides, you have way more reasons to enjoy the outside when you’re walking around with a four legged cutie (if a pup is your thing). Chicago readers, visit one of our favorite local adoption centers.

TLDR

Mostly, if you’re quarantining with your partner, take this time to support each other and listen. Uncertainty can be paralyzing for many people, and it’s important to help one another through as much as we can. This is a time to connect, a time to nurture vulnerability, a time to explore intellectually, and a time to spend valuable time with your loved ones you may not have had in the past. But don’t be afraid to have some fun too!

Is Love Really Blind? Exploring the Reality Behind the Show

Is love truly blind? That’s the question the creators of a new reality dating show set out to explore. Warning: Spoilers ahead.

In the Netflix show Love is Blind, contestants are separated by gender and attend “dates” in separate rooms, where they can hear each other but never see each other. The premise is simple: can individuals fall in love without ever laying eyes on each other, and can that love endure once the visual element is introduced? With curiosity and a bit of skepticism, I watched the show, open to whatever insights it might reveal. The result? Six engaged couples emerged from the experience, surprising even the show’s creators. After becoming engaged, the contestants spent 30 days in Mexico before attempting to get married. While I won’t spoil the ending, here are my key takeaways from the show:

What Does Love is Blind Teach Us About Relationships?

1. The Concept is Fascinating

The idea behind Love is Blind is intriguing—it’s like The Voice, but for dating. By removing the element of physical beauty from the equation, the show challenges us to consider how important physical attraction really is in romantic relationships. After all, physical beauty, shaped by cultural standards, evolves and fades over time. Moreover, someone who might be deemed physically attractive can seem less appealing if their personality is selfish or mean-spirited. Conversely, a person might become more attractive when their personality shines through.

2. The Participants Were Universally Attractive

One notable aspect of the show is that all the participants were, by conventional standards, quite attractive. While beauty is subjective, these individuals were generally above average in terms of societal beauty norms. This raises the question: what would have happened if the show had included participants with a wider range of physical appearances, both within the U.S. and across different cultures?

3. Extraordinary Circumstances Aren’t Reality

It’s easy to fall in love when you’re isolated in a luxurious setting, free from the usual stressors of daily life. The show’s contestants lived in a sort of bubble, shielded from the realities of work, bills, family obligations, and other daily pressures. While the show did introduce the stressor of planning a wedding, the couples still existed in an environment far removed from everyday life. This setting makes it difficult to gauge how these relationships would fare in the real world, where stress and routine can heavily influence romantic dynamics.

4. The Absence of External Influences

In the show, there are no external factors demanding the couples’ attention. In reality, relationships are influenced by friends, family, work, and other responsibilities that can create complex dynamics. Without these external components, the couples on Love is Blind may have experienced a false sense of intimacy. Once these real-world factors are reintroduced, maintaining the same level of closeness and intensity in a relationship can be challenging.

Should We Take Lessons from Reality TV Love Stories?

While shows like Love is Blind are entertaining and offer interesting perspectives on relationships, it’s important to remember that they don’t represent the typical dating experience. These are everyday people “falling in love” under highly extraordinary circumstances.

So, what do you think? Is love really blind, or is physical attraction an unavoidable factor in romantic relationships? If you watched the show, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and join the conversation!