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Therapist Panel on LOVE: Why every couple should have a no cell phone for 30 minutes a day rule

Posted at 1:47 PM, Feb 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-01 15:47:40-05

Three therapists with Lifestone Counseling talk to us about communication pitfalls many couples face. For more information, gohere.

Spend 30 minutes (or more) per day alone with your partner WITHOUT technology.

  • No television, cell phones, laptops, tablets, computers, video games, etc.
  • These days we are often more connected with our Facebook friends than we are with our partners
  • I often hear from couples...
    • Despite being next to each other, they feel extremely far apart
    • A growing distance in the relationship, was the first sign of trouble
  • Technology further complicates this issue... distraction, dissociate, numb out, not fully present in the moment, hard to listen, unable to connect, etc.
  • Decreases communication, creates distance
  • The goal of spending 30 minutes a day alone with your partner without technology is to:
    • Connect with your partner
    • Establish your relationship as a top priority (loved, cared about, understood, etc.)
    • Catch up, learn, be in the “know”
    • Maintain and strengthen relationship
    • Rebuild or improve a struggling relationship
    • Schedule time each day to connect (use calendar, have a set time, etc.). Talk, catch up, relax, do something enjoyable or fun, snuggle, laugh, play a board game, etc.