by Pearl Nash

Want to connect with your partner on a deeper level? My interview with HackSpirit gives you down-to-earth tips for creating a higher love: #higherlove #connection #gratitude #couplegoals

Pearl writes, “A happy, healthy, and successful relationship rests upon creating a deep and lasting bond. But how do you deepen that level of intimacy?

1) Express gratitude

When you notice the things that your partner does for you — little or large — be sure to show appreciation. Gratitude has an almost magical impact. As explained by Harvard Medical School:

“In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships”

You can harness this in your relationship by offering praise and thanks to your partner.

You might decide to:

  • Write a letter expressing all the things you appreciate about your partner
  • Leave little thank you notes for them to find
  • Show your gratitude with little romantic gestures

The more appreciated your partner feels the stronger your relationship will be, and they’re much more likely to reciprocate.

Showing appreciation is so important to creating a deep bond.

In fact, as relationship expert Susan Winter explains, its absence in a relationship is what can cause couples to fall apart and cheat:

“Most people wrongly assume it’s because the sex is bad or there is no sex, but when someone doesn’t feel valuable, this is the number one reason [why they cheat],”

2) Have deep conversations

Talking is always a great way to deepen your connection with your partner. In particular, by asking questions. I’m sure you already do ask your other half plenty of questions in order to try to get to know them even better.

But in this instance, we’re talking about meaningful questions that encourage your partner to reveal more about themselves.  

Psych Central suggests that asking certain open-ended questions can build better emotional intimacy.

They recommend focusing on questions that find out:

  • What thoughts and events shaped their past
  • What ideas factor into their character today
  • What your partner presently feels they need
  • What values and goals make up their heart’s desire

Having fun together is great, but life has a serious side too. Be sure to share your thoughts with one another on the important big topics— politics, religion, spirituality.

Find out your partner’s biggest hopes, dreams, and fears. It’s important in discovering what really makes each other tick.

3) Respect your differences

Every single one of us on this planet is different. No matter how many similarities we find, there will always be differences too.

Whether it’s personality differences, cultural differences, biological differences, or differences in upbringing. We’re never going to think and feel exactly the same as our partners.

Recognizing and respecting differences is an important part of showing respect.

And that’s going to help create a deeper connection. You and your partner need to feel safe to express yourselves.

That means:

  • Not criticizing or judging each other’s ideas and interests.
  • Disagreeing with one another in respectful ways
  • Approaching your differences with compassion and empathy

When our partner says something we don’t agree with or don’t like, it’s tempting to get defensive.

But dismissing each other’s feelings ultimately drives a wedge between you.

In order to connect on a deeper level, try to accept the thoughts and feelings you both express.

Continue Reading: https://hackspirit.com/how-to-connect-with-your-partner-on-a-deeper-level/