"If you feel like your relationship is stuck in a rut, you are not alone. According to Talker Research, a quarter of Americans are in a "relationship rut." While the study was not a large one (2,000 survey responses), this also reflects my experience as a psychologist. Many of the couples I treat describe feeling as if they are roommates, or even worse."
"Prioritize each other. This may sound obvious, but it is surprisingly easy to forget in the day-to-day bustle. It is important to "see" each other in the relationship. This means taking the time to put your phone away and making eye contact at dinner. It means choosing each other over work (when possible) and other commitments. The message needs to be "I choose you," no matter what might get in the way."
"Schedule a weekly check-in. Especially if you are not in couple's counseling, it is important to set dedicated time each week to do a sort of "state of the relationship." It is important to be relaxed and open in these meetings, so they do not become stressful for either party. These weekly check-ins have been crucial for a number of the couples I have treated over the years."
Many couples experience periods where the relationship feels stagnant, with about a quarter of Americans reporting a "relationship rut." Common signs include fewer romantic gestures (50%), less passionate or routine sex (46%), and reduced conversation (41%). Practical, intentional resets can address these problems. Recommended steps include prioritizing each other by minimizing distractions and choosing the partner over other commitments, scheduling relaxed weekly check-ins to review relationship state, and overcommunicating to avoid disconnect. Acknowledging lapses and committing to improvement reinforces the message "I choose you." Regular use of reconnection strategies helps strengthen the relationship bond over time.
Read at Psychology Today
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