Home is where the best things are. It’s where we relax, recharge, and reconnect with the people we love. It’s where couples build their lives together.
Yet through the years, an evening at home can change shape. What once was a romantic dinner for two can turn into a complex multitasking puzzle. Who’s picking up the kids? Did we pay the insurance bill? Did you forget to pick up milk?
When the chaos dies down, having a regular bedtime routine can rebuild your connection. Not sure how to relax before bed with your partner? Here are five things happy couples do as part of their bedtime rituals.
Get on the Same Schedule
He goes to bed early while she stays up late watching The Bachelor. After spending most of the day apart, many couples continue to march to their own beat through the evening. But doing so can cut into the time you have together to bond.
Even if you’re not 100% on the same schedule, making an effort to align a portion of your bedtime routine—like brushing your teeth together—can help maintain the warmth and intimacy in the relationship.
Put Devices Away
Stop checking your work email. Stop scrolling through your Twitter feed. You may be constantly connected to other people, but you’re drifting further apart from the one in the room with you. And who wants that as part of their bedtime routine?
Set a time to power down all devices. Giving your partner your full, uninterrupted attention leads to a better conversation, with neither person feeling ignored. Plus, unplugging for a bit allows you to relax and sleep better. That way you can be more productive during the day, and make sure that nothing cuts into your couples time.
Avoid Bedtime Arguments…
You’ve likely heard, “You should never go to bed angry,” and there is some truth to the cliché. It’s tempting to use the rare quiet time alone to vent about a problem that’s bugged you all day. But moments before bed is not the ideal time to bring up a subject that could start an argument. This will lead to waking up feeling unsettled rather than well-rested. Venting is truly one of the least relaxing things to do before bed.
...Have a Heart-to-Heart Instead
Even if we don’t necessarily have all the answers, it’s important for partners to pay attention to each other's feelings and show their support. Expressing positive feelings to each other as part of your night rituals will end the day on a high note. Try incorporating gratefulness into your nightly bedtime routine.
Make Time for a Goodnight Kiss
While sleeping in the perfect spooning position sounds great in theory, it might not be your style. You get too hot. He likes to roll around. But don’t skip the goodnight kiss and cuddle. After all, what’s better than ending your day with the one you love in the softest sheets in the world?