Relationship Refreshers

by Hood Staff

Valentine’s Day is the day for love, but it is important to keep relationships top of mind yearround. With all the demands of life – family, work, cooking, bills –relationships with a partner, kids, and even ourselves, can often get pushed aside.

However, a grand gesture is not needed to make an impact. In just a few ways, you can show love and kindness to all important people in your life.

YOUR SPOUSE

Conversation Starters: After years of being together, you may think you know everything about your partner. However, the internet is full of great date night conversation starters, like “what event in history would you have liked to be at” or “what book or movie do you wish you could experience for the first time again.” Having deep conversations about random facts can help your spouse feel closer and known.

Love Language: Knowing your spouse’s love language (books by Gary Chapman) can help you ensure you express your appreciation in a meaningful way to them. You may love gifts, but they may prefer quality time. Schedule a time to spend quality time together, even if it’s just getting groceries while talking about them.

Teach Them: Find a common interest and teach them a skill you know. Engage in music, art, engineering, or cooking together to create a special bond.

Notes of Encouragement: Write a message for them to show you care and are thinking of them. You can do this in their lunchbox, with a dry erase marker on their mirror, or use a sticky note in their bedroom.

YOURSELF

Self-Care: Possibly the most challenging thing for a parent, especially a mom, is to invest in yourself. But, you must feel fulfilled first before making everyone else happy. Spend time doing something you enjoy, even if it is just for a few minutes, to refresh and recharge your batteries.

Converse with Yourself: Remember those conversation starters? While you’re at lunch alone, ask those to yourself. Or ponder more significant questions, like goal setting, dreams, and other aspirations. l

Quality Time: With kids, getting out for a date night can be difficult. Instead, meet up for a date lunch while the kids are at school or daycare or create a date night in. See ideas for this on page 30.

YOUR KIDS

One-on-One Time: Kids crave your attention, especially if it’s more than just the two of you at home.