I know, I know, every couples therapist will tell you,

“What do you do to make time for your relationship?”
“What do you mean you don’t have regular date nights?”
“I understand, you have children, you both work full-time, you are often times exhausted but if you don’t nourish your partnership than everything else will fall by the wayside.”

And they are right…right? It can be so taxing to figure out a babysitter, spruce yourself up after a long day at work, and muster up the energy to engage in yet more conversations. Engaging, in general, can be difficult when you are toast. HOWEVER…it is critical, let me say that one more time, CRITICAL that you and your partner make time for one another, away from work, away from kids, away from stressors at home (if possible). If you can find time to connect with your partner, you will inevitably improve your communication with your partner. Think about it, the people and places you spend your time are the people and places in your life that flourish, that develop, that are important to you. The more time you spend with somebody, the more you will connect with them.

Thoughts on Communication From A Couples Therapist

As a couples therapist in Colorado Springs, I am quite sure 99.9% of couples that have come my way for couples therapy and marriage counseling have listed “communication” as an issue they would like to address. It all makes sense right, we date, we get married or get in a committed relationship sans marriage, we get older, we are more invested in work, we start a family, we have friends, we have hobbies… Then there’s always the emerging screen pandemic where we ignore all the humans around us and stare like zombies into a screen…and then it happens that we don’t prioritize our partnership the way we used to.

There are so many competing variables happening as the partnership progresses, that it can be difficult to stay the course. Financial stressors, family stressors, all of the things! However, I have found as a couples therapist that those that prioritize time for their relationship, make important dents in communication struggles and learn to understand one another because they take the time to do so. If you are in Colorado Springs and you want some ideas of AMAZING places you and your partner can refresh and reconnect, please keep reading.

Date Night Suggestions For Colorado Springs

Image of a couple resting after hiking together. Which shows a date night that a Colorado Springs couples therapist might suggest. You can get even more support with couples therapy in Colorado Springs. We also offer online couples counseling in Colorado.Work Out Together

Work out together. – “What?” You might say- “But working out entails getting sweaty, “ “I won’t look cute,” “ I am not going to be able to breathe so how are we supposed to communicate?” Believe me, you don’t have to run a marathon but spending quality time with your partner moving your bodies, possibly breathing in the fresh air, and getting some Vitamin D, it’s a “feel good” formula without fail. I get it, you aren’t The Rock or Serena Williams and that’s fine. Go for a walk together, go to the gym together (preferably one with child care), go for a hike. You will be shocked at how good you both feel when you are connecting in this way.

Side note: if you are feeling extremely adventurous and LOVE getting your butt kicked check out The Manitou Incline.

Relax in A Hot Tub

Find a hot tub and then go sit in it together. Yes,…a hot tub. “But they cost $7,000” you might say. This is true…so if you don’t have a hot tub, find one. You don’t need to buy one, if you buy one you certainly don’t need the costliest, most expensive, and fanciest hot tub on the market. Perhaps you can find a second-hand or older one and stick that sucker in your backyard.

If you live in Colorado Springs like me, you will recognize that it’s FREEZING here so a hot tub is an appropriate course of action for the winter time, the fall, and the spring…”Why a hot tub,” you wonder…well guess what? When you are in a hot tub, outside in the elements, it’s quiet, with no screaming children, no TV blaring, no music, no phones (hopefully), it’s just you and your partner and the stars and the moon. What more could you need to ignite some romance?

Have A Meal or Drinks Together

Image of a couple cooking together which is a suggested date night idea from a Colorado Springs couples therapist. If your relationship needs further support couples therapy and couples counseling in Colorado Springs, CO can help. Take yourselves out to a meal, coffee, drinks, etc., and/or cook an amazing meal at home together. These days, it is customary to have the TV going while one eats and social media scrolling (which is atrocious for your brain by the way, and causes you to eat past the point of satisfaction). So what if you and your partner find a person to care for the children and go out to eat? OR you can also plan a fun date night at home possibly once the precious rug rats have gone to bed. The idea is this, you are focusing on just one another, not on the millions of distractions that take place each time you attempt to ingest food with your family. A quiet meal huh? Coffee or Tea? A drink? It may feel totally foreign and awkward, but I PROMISE you, it’s worth it.

You will find some words to say to one another and you will inevitably increase communication. My husband and I have the privilege of bio-parents (blended family) and grandparents involved with our family so we try to go out at least once a month for a date night. Some of our favorite places in Colorado Springs include:

Go Out Just for Fun

Attend a fun event together. “A what? “ you may wonder. That’s right friends, a FUN event, TOGETHER. That is really the key ingredient, that you are going to the event together. “So what sort of event?” you may wonder. I’m thinking a couple of different things. It could be something like a comedy show, a concert or even a fundraising event. Those can be fun because you get to dress up and you are supporting a good cause.

Once again, LEAVE THE KIDDOS AT HOME. I don’t know if you have a four-year-old, but we do, and she loves to chat which is great most of the time unless you are trying to have a convo with your significant other lol. So find a cool event you guys are interested in and actually GO TO IT. Here are some cool places in Colorado Springs that my husband and I enjoy. I’m including comedy spots, music, and some local fundraising events.

So what is the bottom line? Here it is. In order to have a solid relationship both parties have to make time for communication. The barrier? Life. Date night can make you MAKE time to connect with your partner. Try it out and do the best you can.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, and I hope you schedule your partnership an amazing date night routine moving forward!

Improve Communication in Your Relationship With Support From A Colorado Springs Couples Therapist

As a couples therapist and marriage counselor, I understand how difficult making time for your partnership can be. This is especially true when struggling with communication. With couples therapy, you have a set time when you and your partner can work on communication without the distractions of everyday life. In order to start marriage counseling at Solace Solutions so you can strengthen your relationship follow these steps:

  1. Reach out for a free consultation 
  2. Schedule your first appointment with a Colorado Springs couples therapist
  3. Improve your communication and prioritize your relationship

Other Therapy Services We Offer in Colorado Springs, CO

Along with couples counseling, our understanding counselors also offer individual and family therapy. Which includes therapy for anxiety, depression, and trauma. These services are available for both adults and teenagers.  Services are available both in person at our Colorado Springs-based counseling practice and virtually throughout Colorado via online therapy.