Connection is an important part of a healthy, happy relationship. Unfortunately, physical proximity doesn’t always mean you feel close to your partner. You could live with someone and still, somehow, feel completely distant.
Dealing with an emotionally distant partner can stir up a rollercoaster of emotions. You might feel sad, hurt, frustrated, or even as though you’re the only one who truly wants to be in the relationship.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to communicate with a distant partner. You might find that these strategies help you feel more connected with the person you love, and make it easier to build your bond daily.
Schedule Time Together
Life is busy. We live in a fast-paced world where it can often feel like technology takes over everything. Maybe your partner seems distant because they’re always distracted by something else.
One of the easiest ways to build your connection is to schedule time together as often as possible. While it might not seem like the most romantic thing in the world to “pencil in” your partner, it shows that you’re both willing to put aside other things to prioritize your relationship.
Consider having a date night each week. Put your phones and devices away, make sure you don’t have other things fighting for your attention, and focus on each other. You might be surprised by how easily the conversation starts to flow, and how much more connected you start to feel.
Ask a Simple Question
When was the last time you asked your partner about their day? Sometimes, a simple question of interest is all it takes to help them open up. There are plenty of reasons why people don’t openly talk about themselves or even ask many questions. Maybe they grew up in a household with insecure attachment issues. Maybe they had negative experiences in past relationships.
Whatever the case, this simple question can open the door to letting your partner know that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say. If they don’t offer up a lot of details right away, keep trying and don’t allow frustration to take hold.
Learn What Makes Them Tick
You’ve probably heard of the different love languages before, but do you know which one your partner most connects with? Maybe you like to express yourself with words, but maybe they tend to show how they’re feeling through gifts, or simply time spent together.
Everyone is unique, and learning what makes your partner feel seen, heard, understood, and loved can make a big difference in how you connect and communicate in your relationship.
Take Care of Yourself
Putting in the effort to foster a strong relationship with a distant partner can be a challenge. There will undoubtedly be times when you want to give up or shut down. Make sure to keep your heart open and keep working at your efforts of honest, open communication.
Additionally, don’t ignore self-care. Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being is essential, especially when you’re dealing with a challenge. Find small ways to take care of yourself every day, whether it’s making sure you get enough sleep or staying physically active. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t work on your relationship if you’re burnt out.
Talk to Someone
If you feel like these strategies aren’t working or you don’t want to keep making the effort on your own, consider reaching out for help. Relationship therapy can help you, as a couple, to understand why your partner might be distant. When you get to the root cause, you can work together from the ground up to strengthen your connection and improve communication.
If you’re ready to take that leap and give your relationship all you’ve got, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment soon. Having a distant partner doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. With the right strategies and help, your bond can be stronger than ever.