Staying Connected

Other things to consider:

1. Use familiar or 'pet' names to build closeness.

2. Pay genuine compliments or verbal affirmations - helps to repair ruptures. Make sure they are genuine - words of affirmation.

3. Do a chore or task you know your partner would appreciate - acts of service.

4. Send a text or message which shows you are thinking about them - words of affirmation.

5. Don't forget the power in a hug, arm squeeze, etc - physical touch.

6. Plan something new together - quality time.

7. Affirm your partner's point of view - helps us to feel validated, empathised with and understood - words of affirmation.

8. Actually look at each other when you talk together - hold the gaze to promote oxytocin, the love hormone!

9. Treat them to a small gift which shows you are thinking about them e.g. their favourite chocolate bar - receiving gifts.

10. Weekly 'check-in' on how you're doing - make it casual, relaxed, what went well, any small points to sort out? End on a positive to carry forward to the next week.