Introduction

Connecting with someone is easy, right? It’s just a matter of getting to know them and having an open conversation. That’s true in theory, but sometimes it can be hard to put words to our feelings or ask the questions that need asking. Here are some relationship exercises that will help you connect with your partner today:

Prompt for Connection #1: Get a sense of the other person’s life.

When you’re getting to know someone, it’s important to ask questions that help you get a sense of their life.

Share what life was like for you growing up and what your family dynamics and friendships are like now.

Prompt for Connection #2: Ask about each other’s dreams and hopes for the future. Within the next year? 5 years? 10 years?

Prompt for Connection #3: Share something that matters to you.

Can you share something that’s important to you in life? What are your beliefs, values and opinions? How do they affect the way that others see and treat them? Are there any topics or ideas that make it difficult for you to open up and talk about what matters most? If so, what can be done about this problem so you can have better conversations in our relationships?

Prompt for Connection #4: Share what your love language is. If you don’t know, take the test!

Love languages are important to share with your partner. If you don’t know your love language, take the test! There are five: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service and receiving gifts.

Prompt for Connection #5: What would your ideal relationship/partner/date look like?  Journal on this separately, then share with your partner.

• Be specific. What do you want? What do you need? Are there any kinds of activities, conversations and experiences that are important to you?
• Share your ideal in a way that is not threatening to your partner. If they feel threatened by the idea of change or growth, this conversation is likely not going to go well. Instead, frame it as something fun and exciting–something that will bring both of you closer together as partners!
• Share what needs changing too; maybe there are things about your current situation that could use some work!

Prompt for Connection #6: Tell each other if you need help with anything right now?

Conclusion – Connection takes effort but it’s worth it.

Connection with others is important. It’s worth the effort, but it’s not always easy.

Connection is about sharing and listening, being present with each other and finding ways to connect through conversation. It requires vulnerability–you have to be willing to be honest about who you are, what you feel, what matters to you in order for connection to happen.

So, there you have it. I hope these prompts will help you connect with others in new ways and deepen your relationships with those who matter most. Remember that there is no right way to do this–it’s all about being authentic and genuine with each other. And if all else fails, just ask yourself: What would Oprah do?

If you found these relationship exercises helpful in any way, be sure to check out my other blog posts!