People in romantic relationships need to work together to strengthen their bonds with each other. Couples can do several things to do so, one of which is by partaking in the couple’s rituals to improve the quality of the relationship and lay down important foundations to strengthen a relationship.
Not just strengthening relationships, but there are several positive things that couples can enjoy by doing rituals. This article will discuss what a couple’s ritual is and the reasons why it can strengthen relationships.
Understanding couple’s rituals
When you think of the phrase “couple’s rituals”, what comes first into your mind? Is it simply having an activity you can do or share together? How different is it from a routine?
According to research from Chicago University, a couple’s ritual is an activity that is enacted jointly by a couple repeatedly and has meaning for the couple. In line with the statement, Inner Psychology reveals that a ritual is a way for couples to build meaning in their relationship.
While a couple’s ritual may seem similar to a routine wherein both persons focus on the activities carried out by the couple, there is a fundamental difference in terms of meaning between the context of the ritual and the routine. Routines are interpreted as activities carried out with a partner repeatedly but are not necessarily meaningful. Meanwhile, rituals are part of the routines and have significant meaning when done with a partner.
Several forms of activity can be used as a ritual with your partner, such as celebrating an important day or the successes achieved and scheduling special times for intimate communication.
Some of these forms differ from routines because these activities have special meanings and positively influence the relationship.
The benefits of couple’s rituals
As mentioned, couples’ rituals can strengthen relationships. Additionally, there are several other benefits that couples who perform rituals can experience, including:
Building a sense of meaning in a relationship
One of the positive results of rituals is creating a tradition with your partner. Taking special time to talk deeply and intimately is meaningful for couples because you can get to know and understand each other better.
Creating positive emotions
Performing intimate and simple rituals, like hugging or kissing for a few moments in the morning, can provide positive emotions that can make your day more enjoyable.
Defining a relationship
Rituals help the couple to have a new identity. Doing various meaningful things together will allow each partner to transform from “me” to “we”.
Making teamwork better
Rituals don’t always take the form of special activities at certain times. Simple activities such as doing homework can also become a ritual by giving a little meaningful uniqueness. This activity can help you to create a connection and strengthen your cooperation.
Creating couple’s rituals
Rituals with your partner can be done by showing attention and affection. In addition, talking and listening to each other can create an emotional connection for you and your loved one, so that you can understand each other better.
As mentioned, you can also do various simple things with your love as rituals, so that the quality of your relationship can improve.
It might be a little difficult when trying to create a ritual. However, you can start by doing regular activities with your partner first. After it becomes a routine, you can add a little spice and meaning to make the activity uniquely yours.
In conclusion
Performing rituals with your partner is an easy thing to do, but you need to commit to it. In addition, if you finally manage to create a special ritual for you and your loved one, it’s just a matter of time until your relationship is headed in a more positive direction.
If you would like to know more about couples’ rituals, the Relationships Science Labs of the Life Management Science Labs (LMSL) features science-based courses, certifications, videos, podcasts, and more. The resources are based on research by the Institute for Life Management Science and aim to help couples build and enhance relationship dynamics. Visit the Relationships Science Labs today.
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