SOUTH TAMPA THERAPY FREE RESOURCES BLOG
Navigating the "Roommate Phase" in Relationships: Tips from a Relationship Counselor
Navigating the roommate phase requires effort, communication, and a commitment to your relationship. By incorporating these tips into your daily life and embracing the guidance of relationship experts like Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy, you can reignite the spark and strengthen your connection with your partner. Remember, every phase is an opportunity to grow and deepen your love for each other.
As a relationship counselor, I often find myself discussing the challenges couples face as they navigate the different phases of their relationship. One of the most common phases couples experience is what many refer to as the "roommate phase." This phase can feel distant, routine, and lacking in the emotional and physical connection that once felt effortless.
My partner and I have faced our fair share of roommate phases, and through personal experience and professional knowledge, we've developed strategies to reignite our connection. Drawing from the wisdom of renowned relationship experts like John Gottman and the Emotionally Focused Therapy approach, here are some tips that have worked wonders for us:
1. Intentional Quality Time Set aside a specific time each night to put away distractions, especially phones, and focus solely on each other. This intentional quality time fosters open communication and strengthens emotional connection.
2. Prioritize Date Nights Spending time away from the daily grind and kids is crucial. Date nights allow you to reconnect, have fun together, and remember why you fell in love in the first place.
3. Reignite Physical Intimacy Don't underestimate the power of physical affection. Make an effort to kiss and make out like you used to when your relationship was new and exciting.
4. Sync Your Bedtime Going to bed at the same time can create a sense of closeness and intimacy. It's a simple yet effective way to maintain connection and ensure quality time together.
5. Share Household Chores Teamwork makes the dream work! Sharing household chores fosters collaboration and mutual appreciation, strengthening your bond as a couple.
6. Have Meaningful Conversations Sit down and ask the tough questions:
"Why are we drifting into the roommate phase?"
"How can we enhance our connection?"
"What can we do differently to come back together?"
"Here's what I need from you. What do you need from me?"
7. Embrace the Little Things Small gestures can make a big difference. Whether it's a good morning kiss or a surprise love note, these little acts of kindness and affection go a long way in maintaining connection.
8. Acknowledge the Phase Recognize that the roommate phase is just that – a phase. It's a natural part of many long-term relationships and an opportunity for growth and reconnection.
Gottman's Insights: John Gottman emphasizes the importance of friendship and fondness in relationships. Cultivate a culture of appreciation and admiration for each other. Remember the qualities that you love and appreciate in your partner and express them regularly.
Emotionally Focused Therapy Tips: Emotionally Focused Therapy focuses on creating a secure emotional bond between partners. Validate each other's feelings and emotions, and be open to vulnerability. Create a safe space where both partners feel heard, understood, and valued.
In conclusion, navigating the roommate phase requires effort, communication, and a commitment to your relationship. By incorporating these tips into your daily life and embracing the guidance of relationship experts like Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy, you can reignite the spark and strengthen your connection with your partner. Remember, every phase is an opportunity to grow and deepen your love for each other.
By Elizabeth Mahaney, LMHC, MFT, NCC, Ph.D
SOUTH TAMPA THERAPY, WELLNESS, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Marriage & Family Therapist
❤️ Marriage & Family Therapist 💍 Gottman Relationship Counselor 🧠 Licensed Mental Health Counselor 👂🏽 Non-Violent Communication Facilitator 🌎 National Certified Counselor 👩🏼⚕️ Private Practitioner 📈 Entrepreneur, Author & Mentor 🎓Qualified Supervisor for State Licensure ⚖️ FL Supreme Court Family Law Mediator 🥅 Solution Focused ✌🏻Conflict Resolver ❤️ Self Compassion & Self Care Advocate 🧘🏼♀️ Mindfulness Meditating Yogi 🤔 Daily Intentions & Reflections 🗣 Neuro Linguistic Programming ✏️ Agile Learning Center Founder 📚 Self Directed Education Alliance 🧑🌾 Grower: Fruit Trees & Herbs 🍽 Psychology of Eating & Nutrition 👩🏫 Life Long Learner... 📍 Tampa, FL & Jurisdiction to practice in FL, CT, NC, SC, MD, VA
Tampa Virtual Counseling Telehealth: Online Counseling and Virtual Therapy for South Tampa, Florida
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and credentialed in several other evidence based approaches listed here. I work with adults, teens, couples, and families in South Tampa. I specialize in counseling individuals who struggle with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief, panic, self esteem, and stress. I teach couples how to increase intimacy, reduce conflict, communicate effectively, and build a stronger connection. I bring families together by managing conflict, and I help adolescents overcome social anxiety and low self-esteem issues.
Private Virtual Visits for Counseling and Therapy using Live Video ZOOM
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and credentialed in several other evidence based approaches listed here. I work with adults, teens, couples, and families in South Tampa. I specialize in counseling individuals who struggle with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief, panic, self esteem, and stress. I teach couples how to increase intimacy, reduce conflict, communicate effectively, and build a stronger connection. I bring families together by managing conflict, and I help adolescents overcome social anxiety and low self-esteem issues.
Virtual Visits Online or Over the Phone
While my office is in South Tampa, virtual visits allow you to attend therapy sessions when you are unable to come into the office throughout the ENTIRE STATE OF FLORIDA and I am also licensed in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut and growing. I offer live video counseling using a secure online virtual platform. I provide teletherapy sessions (a form of telemedicine and telemental health) to individuals via live two-way video sessions, and I offer couples counseling and family therapy via secure group video so each participant can have their own screen. If you would rather receive counseling or therapy over the phone, that is available as well – whatever makes you feel most comfortable.
Easy to Use on Any Device
Remote virtual therapy allows you to avoid the waiting room and commute without missing an appointment. Schedule your online counseling session by emailing me, calling, or texting (813) 240-3237 and my office will give you a link to easily log in to your secure video counseling session. The virtual platform works with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets as well as Mac and PC computers – all you need to do is find a private place with an internet connection and log in for your scheduled appointment.
Telehealth is an especially good option if:
• You seek Individual Counseling while maintaining comforts of home
• You seek Couples Counseling while one partner is traveling
• Your schedule makes it challenging to attend in-person sessions
• You want to eliminate commute time to Counseling Sessions
• You experience anxiety leaving your home or driving in Tampa
• Physical disabilities limit your ability to travel
• You frequently travel
• You live in Florida
Safe, Secure, and Private
I always respect your privacy and will maintain your confidentiality. The telehealth platform I use meets or exceeds all HIPAA and other legal and ethical guidelines regarding privacy. All sessions are end-to-end encrypted using AES-128, and no potentially sensitive or personally identifying data is stored. Your sessions are granted the same level of privacy as in-person sessions and will never be recorded without your written consent. Feel free to email me or call (813) 240-3237 to start on the path to happiness and a more fulfilling life. I am here to help.
Book a session with me here: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/initialintake