By: April Eldemire, LMFT; Founder of Couples Thrive
No one wants to feel like their relationship is a cliche. Couples want to stand out and feel truly unique, original and authentic. Rituals of connection help establish a true sense of distinction and meaning in our romantic relationships.
These everyday traditions, special occasions and momentous celebrations that we create together defines who we are as a family and gives us a deep sense of connection and meaning. Without these everyday nuances, couples have nothing to latch on to in order to feel significant.
Can you identify at least 10 rituals within your relationship? Use these questions from The Gottman Institute as your guide.
- How do we, or should we, eat together at dinner?
- How should we part at the beginning of each day?
- How should bedtime be?
- What is the meaning of weekends?
- What are our rituals about vacations?
- Pick a meaningful holiday. How should this holiday be celebrated?
- How do we each get refreshed and renewed?
- What rituals do we have when someone is sick?
- How do we celebrate momentous occasions, special moments, accomplishments or accolades?
- How do we stay active together? What hobbies do we share?
- How do we spend meaningful, quality time together?
- What are some movies or shows that you can watch together as a couple?
Additionally, ask yourself the meaning behind the rituals with these questions:
- What is meaningful about this for you?
- When will this be done?
- How often will it be done?
- How long should it last each time?
- Who will initiate it?
- Who will do what in this ritual?
- What will happen next?
- How will it end?
- How can we integrate this into our lives so we can count on it?
- Want 21 more creative rituals to add to your relationship? Click here.
April Eldemire, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Couples Therapist · Couples Thrive — Fort Lauderdale, FL
April Eldemire is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and couples therapist at
Couples Thrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She helps couples, individuals,
and families work through relationship disconnection, communication breakdowns, infidelity,
new-parenthood transitions, divorce-related stress, family conflict, grief, depression, and
parenting challenges. April is trained in Gottman-Method Couples Therapy and
Emotionally Focused Therapy, two research-based approaches used to help couples
better understand negative interaction patterns, rebuild emotional connection, and strengthen
the relationship over time.
Couples Therapy
Marriage Counseling
Premarital Counseling
Infidelity
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Parenting Transitions
Family Conflict
Grief & Depression
Credentials:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, State of Florida — License No. MT2614
(
verify license).
Training:
Gottman-Method Couples Therapy, Level 1, 2 & 3 Trained;
Bringing Baby Home Educator; trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Education:
Nova Southeastern University, graduated 2007.
Office:
1 East Broward Blvd., Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 · (954) 654-9609.
