In a long-term relationship, it is common for priorities to shift, leading to one partner taking a back seat due to health, family, or work stressors. If you find yourself in this situation and want to reignite the intimacy you once had with your significant other, it can feel awkward to broach that desire. Renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel suggests that the only way to improve the situation is to address it. She recently released a duo of online courses aimed at helping couples reignite their romantic flame.
To begin the process of rekindling your partnership, it is important to own your behavior and take responsibility for your absence. Perel offers a script to start the conversation, acknowledging the impact of your actions on your partner. It may be necessary to apologize multiple times, as resentment can build over time. Perel suggests that a good rule-of-thumb is to take responsibility three times. If your partner still will not accept your contrition after the third apology, it is up to them to figure out why and how they want to proceed.
If your partner agrees to work on reinvigorating the relationship, it’s time to start making plans. Perel suggests engaging in activities that are new and different, as these can help bring the lovers back into focus. If you typically spend your Friday nights watching a movie, consider trying something new like seeing a live show. By introducing variation into your routine, you can help reignite the spark in your relationship. It’s important to be open to trying new things and taking risks to bring excitement and freshness back into your partnership.
In addition to addressing relationship issues, it can be beneficial to seek out resources that can help improve your financial well-being. CNBC offers an online course aimed at teaching practical strategies to boost savings, get out of debt, and invest for the future. By learning how to be more successful and confident with your money, you can reduce financial stress and build a more secure future for yourself and your partner. By taking steps to address both your relationship and financial issues, you can work towards creating a more fulfilling and balanced life overall.
Overall, the key to rekindling a relationship after a period of neglect is to take responsibility for your actions, apologize sincerely, and make a concerted effort to engage with your partner. By acknowledging your mistakes and actively working towards rebuilding the intimacy you once had, you can begin to move forward together. Additionally, seeking out resources such as financial courses can help improve your overall well-being and create a stronger foundation for your future together. By taking proactive steps to address both relationship and financial issues, you can work towards building a more fulfilling and balanced life with your partner.
