When it comes to making your relationship stronger and more loving in the long run, there are a few effective bonding exercises for couples that will definitely help you achieve that goal.
Researcher Robert Epstein, Ph.D. believes it is possible to increase your closeness or feelings of love by using scientifically inspired techniques. Below are seven of his many love building exercises from an article titled, “How Science Can Help You Fall in Love” that was published in the Scientific American Mind (Jan/Feb 2010). Techniques reprinted with permission.
7 Bonding Exercises For Couples To Strengthen Your Marriage
1. Intimate Gazing
Standing or sitting about two feet away from each other, look deeply into each other’s eyes, trying to look into the very core of your beings. Do this for two minutes and then talk about what they saw.
Related: Couple Bonding Exercises: 12 Questions To Drastically Strengthen Your Relationship
2. Love Aura
Place the palm of your hand as close as possible to your partner’s palm without actually touching it. Do this for several minutes, during which you will feel not only heat but also, sometimes, sparks.
3. Let Me See Inside
Stand about four feet away from each other and focus on each other. Every 10 seconds or so move a bit closer until, after several shifts, you are well inside each other’s personal space (the boundary is about 18 inches). Get as close as you can without touching.
4. Secret Swap
Write down a deep secret and have your partner do the same. Then trade papers and talk about what you read. You can continue this process until you have run out of secrets. Better yet, save some of your secrets for another day.
5. Monkey Love
Standing or sitting near each other, start moving your hands, arms, and legs any way you like—but in a fashion that perfectly imitates your partner.
This is fun but also challenging. You will both feel as if you are moving voluntarily, but your actions are also linked to those of your partner.
6. Mind-Reading Game
Write down a thought that you want to convey to your partner. Then spend a few minutes wordlessly trying to broadcast that thought to him or her, as he or she tries to guess what it is. If he or she cannot guess, reveal what you were thinking. Then switch roles.
7. Two as One
Embrace each other gently, begin to sense your partner’s breathing, and gradually try to synchronize your breathing with his or her. After a few minutes, you might feel that the two of you have merged (Do not let it lead to sexual intimacy).
Related: How To Increase Feelings Of Love: A 23-Point Love Contract To Bulletproof Your Relationship
Want to know more about couples bonding exercises or exercises to strengthen your marriage? Check this video out below!
Nancy Fagan is the founder of the Relationship Resolution Center, an online counseling, mediation, and coaching business. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is the former owner of the largest divorce mediation firm in San Diego. She is a 3-time published author and has appeared on countless television, and radio shows, and quoted in national magazines since 1997.
Check out her website, Online Counseling Experts for more such informative articles.
Written By Nancy Fagan Originally Appeared On Online Counseling Experts
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