prepare/enrich

Tip: Spend a night learning about your partner’s world. Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman coined the term Love Map: it’s your mental map of your partner’s inner world—hopes, fears, people they love, things that stress or excite them. Plan a date night with one goal: updating your love maps. Ask fun and meaningful questions like: Even …

Tip: When conflict starts, use humor or kindness to reset tension. Every couple argues—but healthy couples know how to “repair” before things spiral. A repair attempt is a way to cool things down mid-conflict. This might look like: You’re not ignoring the issue; you’re protecting your connection while working through it. If you’re dating, now is the …

Tip: Set aside 10 minutes every day for undistracted conversation. A simple, daily check-in can transform your relationship. It’s not about logistics (“Did you pay the bills?”)—it’s about connection. Ask each other: “How are you feeling today?” or “What’s on your mind?” No phones. No TV in the background. Just the two of you, focusing on each other. …

No matter where you are in your relationship—just starting to date, newly engaged, or years into marriage—staying emotionally connected takes intention. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s something we practice, every day, in small but powerful ways. That’s why I’ve created this 10-part blog series: to offer simple, actionable tools to help you grow a stronger, healthier, …