This article was co-authored by Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.
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The beginning of a relationship can be a lot of fun, but it’s nothing compared to the deep connection and satisfaction that comes with a strong emotional bond with your partner. It’s the key to a healthy and happy relationship and can help build trust and understanding between two people. The best part is there are things you can do to strengthen your bond. To help you do it, we’ve put together a handy list of options you can use to form and maintain a loving connection with your partner.
Steps
How Can You Forge a Strong Bond in a Romantic Relationship?
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I keep our relationship strong?Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFPRebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.
Clinical TherapistI suggest setting aside time each week for a relationship check-in. Talk to your partner about any issues your experiencing and discuss how you can best support each other in the upcoming week.
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Tips
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Try to check in with your partner regularly to see how they’re doing. Let them know they can talk to you if they’re feeling unhappy.Thanks
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You can also try going on group dates to mix things up!Thanks
Warnings
- If you’re in a physically or emotionally abusive relationship, try to get out of it as fast as you can. Nobody deserves to be mistreated or physically harmed.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/relationship-help.htm
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/marriage/healthy-relationships
- ↑ https://www.girlshealth.gov/relationships/healthy/index.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-forward/201806/how-build-intimate-bond-your-partner
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/relationship-help.htm
- ↑ https://www.girlshealth.gov/relationships/healthy/index.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/comfort-gratitude/202006/why-expressing-gratitude-strengthens-our-relationships
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-forward/201806/how-build-intimate-bond-your-partner
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-encounters/201704/10-tips-solving-relationship-conflicts
About This Article
Spending quality time together is one of the best ways to form a stronger bond in your relationship. Set aside time to do things you both enjoy, such as playing games, watching a favorite TV show, or going on an outdoor adventure. Do your best to communicate openly and honestly with your partner, which will encourage trust and help you feel more connected. You’ll also feel more bonded if you take a genuine interest in each other, so ask lots of questions and listen actively to what your sweetheart has to say. Remember to be supportive, but don’t be afraid to get a little vulnerable and let your significant other know when you need something from them. To learn how to show your partner small acts of kindness, read more from our Relationship co-author!
Reader Success Stories
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"I am in college with my long time girlfriend and this article really helped us to settle together without much problems. Thank you very much wikiHow."..." more