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Increase Emotional Closeness in Your Relationship

If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner are “ships passing in the night,” you’re not alone. Life’s demands can easily erode the emotional connection that keeps relationships thriving. Emotional closeness grows through open communication, shared experiences, and mutual appreciation, and even small daily habits like setting aside a few minutes to talk without distractions or greeting each other with a genuine, 6-second hug can make a lasting difference.

Relationship Advice for Couples Seeking More Connection


Understanding Emotional Closeness

Emotional closeness is the foundation of a strong, connected relationship. Many couples drift apart over time not because of major conflict, but from a gradual loss of intentional connection. Rebuilding emotional intimacy doesn’t require grand romantic gestures, it’s about consistent, everyday actions that make you feel more connected to your partner.


How to Build a Stronger Bond

If you’ve noticed signs of emotional distance, you can take small steps to reconnect and strengthen your relationship:

  1. Schedule Daily Check-Ins
    Set aside 10 – 15 minutes each day without screens to talk. Ask open-ended questions like:
    • “What was the best part of your day?”
    • “Is there anything you need from me right now?”
      Practicing active listening without interrupting or jumping to problem-solving can significantly improve your relationship communication.
  2. Express Appreciation Regularly
    Noticing and naming the small things your partner does builds goodwill and emotional warmth. Research by Gottman (2015) shows that frequent appreciation is a key ingredient in long-term relationship satisfaction.
  3. Create Shared Rituals
    Establish bonding activities, such as a weekly walk, coffee date, or bedtime routine. These couple rituals create safety, predictability, and a sense of togetherness.
  4. Prioritize Physical Affection
    Non-sexual touch, like holding hands, hugging, or cuddling, releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Simple touches can go a long way in maintaining emotional and physical intimacy.


When to Seek Professional Support

If you feel emotionally distant or your relationship needs a tune-up, couples therapy can help. At Open Hand Counselling, we guide couples through effective communication exercises, emotional intimacy tools, and reconnection strategies that help you feel close again.

Whether you’re looking for relationship counselling near you or just need practical tips to strengthen your bond, support is available.

Small steps, practiced consistently, nurture the emotional closeness that keeps love alive. If you feel we can be of assistance, please reach out and contact Open Hand Counselling today.

Resources:

  • Gottman, J. & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

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