The festive period is full of wonderful food, games and company, but sometimes, days can go by before you realise that even though you’ve been around your partner 24/7, you haven’t had much quality time alone together. Not with all those family members you’ve been hosting.
Now it’s January, though, and your living room finally resembles an actual living room once more, you have the mental space to reconnect. It might be easier said than done, of course, even with the best will in the world, but there are things you can buy to inject fun, romance and intimacy back into your relationship.
From cards to spark honest conversations that don’t feel intimidating, to the perfect recipe for a cosy night in, these are simple ways to focus on one another. Plus, they’re a whole lot cheaper than therapy as a first port of call.
So, finish those Christmas leftovers and make space for a renewed sense of connection.
Amazon Prime Subscription, Amazon, £7.99 per month
Watching boxsets with your partner can bring you closer, a study concluded a few years back – and I wholeheartedly believe this. Making time to snuggle up together, to discuss and debate what you’re watching and to look forward to the same thing, can be powerful in a relationship. An Amazon Prime membership means your next series is just a few clicks away. (Psst: Modern Love is a good one to start with).
Bateaux London Thames Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise for Two, Red Letter Days, £98
Getting out and doing something fun together is a brilliant way to create new memories. And what better way to do it than floating down the river with delicious food and live music? The relaxed atmosphere will help offset the intensity of the festive period.
Connect, The School Of Life, £20
We chat all the time with our partners, but not always about what really matters – those topics that can reintroduce the spirit of fun, foster intimacy and spark memories about your unique bond. This pack of cards contains 100 questions designed to invite connection and closeness. In short, it’s magic in a box.
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Amazon, £2.10
When stakes are high, emotions intensify and conversations can easily spiral out of control. Understanding how to communicate what you really feel without destroying your relationship is a skill you’ll be able to use time and time again, both inside and outside of your relationship. Everyone should read this book – twice.
Date Your Spouse From Your House, Amazon, £7.62
Just because Christmas has taken a toll on your bank account and the weather is cold and grey, that doesn’t mean you can’t go on some brilliant dates – just do them indoors. This brilliant book offers up 52 budget-friendly ways to ‘get out while staying in’. Ever gone on a date in your pyjamas? Bliss.
Disney Pixar Collection, On Buy, £76.39
Need to keep the kids busy so you and your partner can have a bit of downtime? After Christmas, where the younger members of the clan come first, it’s time to shift the balance. Relax the screentime rules and let them chill out in front of the telly with these Disney classics.
Exploding Kittens Game, John Lewis & Partners, £16
The words ‘exploding kittens’ don’t immediately conjure up the idea of romance, but this game of strategy is a brilliant way to inject humour into your relationship. Think of it as a kitty-powered version of Russian roulette. Not only is it fun, it stops us watching TV and gets us chatting – even if it is about kittens.
Three Month Food Truck Recipe Kit Subscription, Not On The High Street, £26
Staying in and cooking a new meal together is an opportunity to try something new together. This food truck subscription combines recipes that are a mix of influences, both traditional and modern, to recreate world-class cuisine at home. Plus, it means no fights in the supermarket.
Spa Of The World™ French Lavender Massage Oil, The Body Shop, £15
When we think of going to bed with our partner, we think of two things: sleep or sex. But what about having a massage session? It’s an intimate way of exploring each other’s bodies, relaxing and looking after one another. Plus, it’s a dream if you’ve spent the day hunched over your desk in an office.
Roll Play Foreplay Dice, Love Honey, £5.99
There had to be something sex-related in a feature about reconnecting, didn’t there? This is a fun way of spicing things up in the bedroom, while also adding spontaneity. Sometimes it can be hard to get out of a rut, but these handy dice do all the hard work for you… well, sort of.
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