Relationship Reboot: Get Curious

You’ve been together for a few years. That lovin’ feeling is still there, but that new relationship spark is long gone. You feel like you know everything there is to know about your partner.

…But you’re wrong. And assuming you know all is part of what’s got you in this rut, according to relationship therapist Harville Hendrix, PhD. In a recent piece for The Huffington Post, the therapist hailed as the “Marriage Whisperer” by Oprah says you should skip the big romantic gestures like elaborate anniversary plans and expensive getaways. Instead, he writes, get curious:

So how do you get to discover those exciting new things about your significant other? The trick is to really listen. “Think truthfully about what “listening” typically looks like for you,” writes Hendrix. “Are you watching TV on the couch half-attentive while your wife unloads about her pressures at work? Are you busy playing with the dog while your husband tells you excitedly about an interesting conversation he had that day?”

Give your partner your undivided attentions and you’ll find that the favor is quickly returned. Plus, says Hendrix, “really demonstrating curiosity toward your partner, and seeing it returned to you, will remind you of the early days of your courtship, when finding out new things about each other was a constant thrill. Over time you will find yourself feeling more open, supported and supportive.”

Try it today after work: Turn off the distractions and turn your attention to your partner. Let them talk, ask questions, rinse, and repeat. Then, share things about your day—often, sharing first will encourage the other person to open up. And resist the urge to go on autopilot…surely you can say more than “my day was fine,” right? “Sharing is caring” is a cliche for a reason…it’s true!

More Relationship Reboots:
Relationship Reboot: 3 Ways to Sleep Together… Better
Relationship Reboot: 5 Ways to Shake Up Your Weekday Routine
Relationship Reboot: Unplug and Unwind
Relationship Reboot: Recreate the First Date

Read more: Dating, Friendship, Love, Relationships

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Elena T.

1:17AM PST on Nov 29, 2012

Thank you :)

November 29
send a green star

Donna H.

7:20AM PDT on Aug 9, 2012

Thanks.

August 9
send a green star

Samantha S.

7:43AM PDT on Jun 20, 2012

thanks(: great tip.

June 20
send a green star

Amber B.

6:15PM PDT on Jun 18, 2012

thanks

June 18
send a green star

Angela N.

9:39AM PDT on Jun 18, 2012

thanks.

Sheri P.

8:50AM PDT on Jun 18, 2012

hmmm, that's it?

Marianne B.

10:45PM PDT on Jun 16, 2012

Sometimes it's best not to know...didn't curiosity kill the cat? You might not like what you hear.

June 16
send a green star

Debbie B.

7:56PM PDT on Jun 15, 2012

My only advice to this is don't wait until his secrets have went farther than your relationship. It makes for a bitter sweet life that rips and tears. Good luck.

June 15
send a green star

Mari G.

7:55PM PDT on Jun 15, 2012

People change with time, I wonder what my mate will be like in 5 years, 10 and so on.

Emma R.

9:39AM PDT on Jun 15, 2012

“When you’re curious, you learn new things about your mate — his desires, fears and struggles. You’ll hear secrets, wishes, regrets.

You’ll learn practical things, like what she really would like to do on her birthday. Even if you’ve known each other for years, you’d be surprised how much there still is to know about your partner.”

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/relationship-reboot-get-curious.html#ixzz1xscXE0Sn

like I CARE ABOUT HIS ...his desires, fears and struggles. DO I WANT TO hear his stupid secrets, wishes, regrets. ....HINT if he wants his birthday present he can buy himself...funny!I BUY MY OWN BIRTHDAY PRESENT

Let them talk, ask questions, rinse, and repeat..I WANT HIM TO SHUT UP..all that comes out is crap.....if you have conversation with moron nothing good comes out from his mouth just WHINE WHINE WHINE WHINE WHINE....or oh I RUN OVER A DEER STORY as if I want to hear that!

MY HUSBAND DOESN"T NEED REBOOT he needs my boots to kick him to grown some sense is his BRAINS...omg!
I AM NOT curious FOR STUPID INFORMATION ...