Every relationship has its ups and downs. But when the downs start to outweigh the ups, you need to listen to experts. Here’s what they say you should do in dry spells.
If you have ever been in a long-term relationship, this situation might not be unfamiliar to you. You are not alone; we all have been there. That awkward period of time when the romance in your relationship takes a backseat as your sex life feels more and more deserted with every passing day.
Whether it is by choice or circumstances, or maybe even by sheer bad luck, a dry spell can cause stress in even the healthiest relationships. Still, it is rarely openly discussed. One can spend days feeling uncertain, unloved and simply stuck during a dry spell without saying a word. Let’s break that chain, let’s talk about it.
It’s not the end of the world, your relationship can survive a dry spell. Meanwhile, this is what you should do, according to experts and compiled by Wedding Affair.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
First and foremost, breathe. A dry spell doesn’t mean that your relationship is doomed. In fact, it is a very common occurrence in long-term relationships. Life gets busy post-marriage with career, kids and family responsibilities. Meanwhile, romance and intimacy can lose the initial spark in marriage. But it doesn’t mean that the love has faded.
The key is to understand that it is just a phase. It will pass, and it doesn’t mean that your relationship is broken. Acknowledge this reality to be able to open up to your partner for honest communication.
Read Also: Rekindle the Romance: Simple Ways to Spark Love!
Honest and Empathetic Communication
Like we were saying, honest communication is the next key step. There is no replacement for open and honest communication in a relationship. Even if it is tempting to avoid conversation altogether to avoid anyone getting hurt or being misunderstood, silence can do more harm than good.
While communicating with your partner about the dry spell, remember to be empathetic. Share your concern without pointing fingers. Listen to their side of the story with an open mind. Focus on feelings and needs, not accusations.
Practice Intimacy Beyond Sex
One of the biggest mistakes that couples make is to think that intimacy only means sex. Well, it is far from the truth. There are other forms of intimacy and they can play equally important roles in having a dry spell.
So, don’t just jump into bed to fix things. It might be an emotional closeness that you are missing and for that, you need to build a deeper intimacy outside sex with your partner. Start with deep and meaningful conversations, focus on the small things and set the stage for physical intimacy to return.
Do a Routine Reset
If you think your relationship is going fine because it is on autopilot, you couldn’t be more wrong. It is a recipe for disaster. Repetition and monotony are two of the biggest enemies for a relationship and it can result in a dry spell if not taken care of.
Shake things up, even slightly, every now and then. Go on dates, revisit the things that you did in the beginning of dating. A spontaneous getaway or a shared hobby on every weekend—the smallest things can have a big impact on your relationship.
Look Inward Too
It’s not always about the relationship; sometimes the reason behind a dry spell can be within you. Stress, low self–esteem, health issues or even hormonal imbalances can cause a low libido or affect how you connect emotionally with your partner.
Take time and reflect on yourself. Ask yourself the questions: Am I showing up fully for this relationship? Am I nurturing my own well-being? Once you reconnect with yourself, you can reconnect with your partner.
Don’t Shy Away from Asking for Help
If nothing else works, ask for help. Talking to your friends might not be the best help. Instead, go to experts: therapists and couples counsellors. They can decode your silence, mediate tough conversations and provide help that is tailored to your situation.
Read Also: What No One Tells You About Couples Counselling!
A dry spell, no matter how hard it may seem, can be overcome. It’s not the end of the road, it’s just a bump. Start with a deeper understanding and empathy. Open your heart, see things through and build a healthy relationship together.
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