Finding more joy in a relationship often starts with seeing your partner in a new light.
Joy and relationship experts share how to do that.
In this honeymoon phase, finding and sparking joy in a relationship often happens simply by default.
But eventually, that happy-go-lucky vibe may start to fizzle into more of a baseline of contentment.
And bringing it back is often key to keeping a relationship going long and strong.
Sharing joy builds a couples resilience.
licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University
We begin to discount our partners like we often discount ourselves.
It brings you back to that very first voice that attracted you to them, she says.
Below, experts walk through their tried-and-true techniques for filling up on joy, together with your partner.
To that end, Harry suggests focusing on yourself first.
But then were not the star of our own show, she says.
Instead, make yourself your practice, and make your singleness your superpower.
When youre feeling detached from joy, you’re able to call upon it to bringyouback to you.
Commit to one specific, recurring shared experience
As a couple, start by finding your common joyful ground.
These are all signs of being in a joyful state together, says Thompson.
licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University
Perhaps it was watching a funny movie or taking a walk or going to a performance together.
Having things that bring you joy on your own is just as important as having things together.
And that doesnt just go for the things that are tough to say, either.
If your partner does something or shares something that makes you feel happy, tell them, says Wax.
Planning something together with your partner just means youll get to share that joy, says Wax.
Thats why Harry always recommends being more silly more often.
I tell my clients, Gamify everything,' she says.
What Im saying is to just be sillier with each other throughout the day.
Try drawing a silly card or making a dance performance of what you have to say, Harry suggests.
When you use silliness to be expressive, she adds, it gets easier to feel comfortable being yourself.
Dont overthink it, she says.
Just go into your bedroom, grab a pillow, and hurl it across the room.
Her other playful suggestion?
The idea is just to bring out your naturally joyous self.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
