With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching so many moms are feeling the stress of the pandemic impacting their relationship. Relationship counsellor Edel Walsh from Love Done Well Counselling INC. has shared some tips with us on how you can easily relight light flame in your relationship – even if you’re stuck at home on February 14th.
How to re-ignite the spark in your relationship
(Edel Walsh, Love Done Well Counselling INC. Relationship Counselling for Couples and Singles)
Plan two special dinners for Valentine’s Day
“For couples with kids, have an early family Valentine’s supper – everyone makes cards for everyone, sharing what they appreciate about each other and why. When the kids go to bed, the partners can have the ‘real grown-up Valentine’s supper, with cards they made themselves that really speak from the heart about what they love, cherish and appreciate about the other.”
Both partners need to put in effort
“Often, a lot is expected of male-identified partners to really pull out the stops for female-identified partners on this day of love. However, I believe in equality so if both parties make a special effort, it helps the relationship bond to feel more secure.”
Discuss your plans in advance
“Talk in advance about what each of you would like to do for Valentine’s Day. If they want the same thing, great – go ahead and plan it and enjoy. If they want different things, get creative about how to make both partners’ wishes happen. Love isn’t about just getting your needs met – it’s about learning to say yes to your partner even if it is inconvenient for you to do so; or getting a little less of what you want in order to give your partner a little more of what they want.”
Make sex a priority
“With all the stresses on couples during COVID, sex can get moved to the back-burner in a relationship. Make a decision to make time for sex on Valentine’s night – even if it means going to bed early to do so! Both partners will know in advance that they are going to make love that night, and can spend the days leading up to it, flirting and anticipating the connection they will have on Valentine’s night.”
Make it special – even at home
“Agree on what time the kids are going to go to bed and work as a team to make it happen. Make a special dinner or order in after the kids are gone to bed – dress up a little, light candles, have a glass of wine and flirt. Put on some music and slow dance with each other. Partners can remind each other of memories of when they first met, were dating, and how attracted they were to each other.”
There are so many ways to re-connect with your partner this year and re-ignite the spark in your relationship. Even being stuck at home this year it can be a special and romantic day.
“Who knows when life will be this quiet again!” Walsh said. “Enjoy not having to buy expensive bunches of flowers, make supper reservations, drive, park, wait outside for your table to be ready and to manage all the COVID restaurant issues. Give your nervous systems the break they need by doing it all low-key at home. After all, home is where the heart is.”
For more information on Edel Walsh or if you need further guidance and support, visit her website at www.lovedonewell.com/about-us
