Add the Richness of Rituals to your Relationship

These Show Notes are a ChatGPT summary of the episode transcript (with brief additional editing)

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Podcast hosts, Kim and Rog, explore the concept of building connection, identity and rhythm in relationships through a shared strategy called “rituals”.

What are rituals?

They define rituals as a consistent series of behaviors in a particular situation or environment that are repeated regularly.

Benefits of Rituals

As humans, we crave connection and intimacy, and rituals can help foster that in a relationship.

By creating shared experiences and memories, rituals help to build a sense of closeness and belonging. They support the development of the identity of the relationship by providing a unique and intimate experience shared by those involved.

Rituals also provide a sense of predictability and stability, which can be particularly important during times of stress or uncertainty.

Research has shown that couples who engage in rituals together are more satisfied with their relationships and report higher levels of intimacy and happiness.

Some well known examples of how effective rituals can be in building shared meaning, identity and closeness include: sports teams, businesses, cultural groups, and families.

What do rituals look like in a relationship?

Rituals can take many forms in a relationship, from the small and simple, like the daily hug and kiss when a partner comes home from work, to the more elaborate, like an annual weekend getaway. The important thing is that they are meaningful to the couple and serve as a way to strengthen the bond between them.

How to start adding rituals to your relationship

Kim and Rog suggest to start by

• identify rituals that already exist in the relationship and name these
• brainstorm new activities that could become rituals
• write down the rituals and give them titles to increase their sense of identity and belonging
• plan ahead and put the recurring ritual dates on the calendar
• prioisitse your rituals and stick to them, even when other events or social pressures arise

The hosts conclude by stating that whether it’s a weekly date night, a daily evening walk, or a yearly vacation, rituals can help couples stay connected and maintain a strong and healthy relationship.