Long-term relationships can sometimes lead to partners taking a back seat to health, family, or work stressors, causing intimacy to dwindle. Renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel suggests that reigniting the romantic flame in a relationship after such a period of neglect can be awkward, but it is important to address the situation. Perel recently released a duo of online courses to help couples rekindle their partnership and restore intimacy. She emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative to start the conversation and make efforts to improve the situation.
To begin addressing the issue of neglect in a relationship, Perel advises partners to own up to their behavior and take responsibility for their actions. This may involve acknowledging that they have been absent for a long period of time due to various reasons such as personal struggles or family emergencies. By accepting responsibility for their actions, partners can show their commitment to making amends and moving forward in a positive direction.
Perel emphasizes the importance of making multiple apologies to show genuine remorse and commitment to repairing the relationship. Taking responsibility three times can help demonstrate to the partner that the absent partner truly regrets their actions and is willing to work on improving the situation. If the partner continues to hold onto resentment despite multiple apologies, it may be up to them to decide how they want to proceed and whether they are willing to forgive and move forward in the relationship.
If the partner agrees to work on reinvigorating the relationship, Perel suggests making plans together to engage in activities that can help reignite the spark. While doing familiar and comfortable activities can reinforce friendship, trying new and exciting experiences together can bring more passion and intimacy into the relationship. By introducing variation into their lives, partners can create new opportunities for bonding and rediscovering their connection.
For couples struggling with financial stress, CNBC offers an online course that teaches practical strategies for boosting savings, getting out of debt, and investing for the future. By learning how to be more successful and confident with money, couples can alleviate financial burdens that may be adding to relationship strain. Additionally, signing up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter can provide tips and tricks for success in various aspects of life, including work, money, and personal relationships. Through education and self-improvement, couples can navigate challenges in their relationships and strengthen their bond.
