When the winter weather is dreary and cold, your windows are drafty, and your thermostat is definitely lying... (72?? Feels like 32!) you have a great excuse to turn up the heat with your partner. 

Here are some ways to stay warm and increase the positive in your relationship! 

Rev Up Your Touch: The cold temps can be a nice excuse to enhance your physical connection with your partner. Feeling cold in the kitchen? Grab a quick hug to heat-up, or hold hands to warm your icy fingers. These brief moments of touch are sure to deliver a feel good jolt of oxytocin and help keep you thinking about one another even when you are chilly in separate locations. 

Blankets Are For Cuddles (And Comfort): Throw-blankets are a winter necessity! At the end of a long day, instead of sitting on separate sides of the couch, try sharing a blanket while you watch some TV. Let’s be real, you may need two blankets, but the cuddles and comfort spark closeness. 

Date At The House (It's Cheaper And Warmer!): While those active Spring and Summer months will let us get outside and enjoy the outside world (soon!), these cold temps provide some more introspective dating opportunities. Use this time to slow down and enjoy a quiet night at home. Turn off the screens for a bit, pull out the old board games, or read some dusty poetry books by the fire (or heater vent). Take a chance on romance! Get some nice lotion or oil and cure that dry skin with a partner massage. And if you are terrible at reading poetry, hey it will definitely turn into some good laughs. 

Warm Conversations: Have big dreams for the year? Now is a great time to sit down with your partner and your relationship vision. Maybe you need to finish the vision, or adjust some language to fit where you are now. Perhaps you have new items that are worth working toward together. Make it fun! Get a toasty beverage, light a candle nearby, create some mood lighting and enjoy each other while looking forward. 

Every cold spell is an opportunity. If you’re feeling distant from your partner, stretch into the idea of reaching out. Start slowly and simply and remember to make an appointment for regular dialogues. You will get through this winter. Sometimes all it takes is a little lightness and warmth toward one another to turn the corner. Sunny days are coming. 

Allison Dragony, Director of Trainings, Workshops, & Practice Development

Allison is the Director of Trainings, Workshops, & Practice Development at Imago Georgia. She is an Imago Professional Facilitator who lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Chris McClain. They are raising two wonderful kids. Allison has a background in Theatre Arts, Biology, Business Administration, and Creative Writing.

Previous
Previous

Be My Valentine (Even on a Tuesday!)

Next
Next

5 Ways to Care for Yourself and Your Relationship This Holiday Weekend