16 ways to fall in Love all over again
Dr. John Gottman, the nation’s leading marriage researcher, suggests that couples hoping to spark romance need to turn towards each other even when they don’t feel like it.
Yes, even when you’re exhausted or irritated. Friendship is absolutely essential to thriving marriages. In relationships that thrive, partners consistently make and receive bids for positive connection.
Here are 16 practical ways for you to start turning towards each other:
Schedule a next date night and keep the plans a surprise. The anticipation will spark a renewed sense of fun.
Send flirty texts to each other throughout the day. Trust me, your partner will appreciate it.
Make foreplay a priority. Make more room in your calendar to make out before sex.
Be affectionate and playful with each other in front of others. It’s not enough to just brag to each other in private, it’s significant to compliment your spouse in public.
Start a new hobby together. Brainstorm some ideas and create a list of shared interests.
Show appreciation by saying “Thank you,” and “I appreciate all you do.” This goes a long way in showing respect to each other.
Take a walk hand in hand. Nothing gets the blood moving and the connection juices flowing like taking a walk around the block.
Focus on the positive qualities of each other by writing them down and posting it around the house.
Plan a vacation together – no kids allowed. It doesn’t even have to be extravagant, but time alone is so important.
Dream together which helps build security. Have you created a dream board where you jot down your goals or things you want to do together? Go for it!
Pay attention to your spouse more than you pay attention to your phone & TV. Less screen time, more face time.
Reminisce about your favorite date nights, wedding day, honeymoon, and travels together by pulling out old photos.
Learn something new about your spouse. Pick up a deck of Love Map cards which contain fun questions to ask each other. Stay thirsty, I mean curious, my friends.
Buy a new board game and have a game night together.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.