The start of a New Year is a great opportunity to take some time with your spouse or partner to think about your ideal Relationship Vision.
- If you could wave that magic wand then how would you like your relationship to look…how are you:
- appreciating each other
- communicating
- spending time together
- having fun
- listening to each other
- sharing,
- validating
- showing empathy
- appreciating each other’s differences
- being affectionate, etc.
What is the couple’s vision of an ideal deeply satisfying loving relationship?
A shared relationship vision gives a sense of where the couple shares common ground.
It can also be a way for the couple to check their own actions, determining whether they are consistent or inconsistent with their stated vision. And this sets the stage for change…change on a personal level which impacts on the relationship.
A Simple Exercise
The relationship vision exercise can be found in the bestselling book by Harville Hendrix, ‘Getting the Love You Want. A Guide for couples’. (https://amzn.to/39oojAE)
Watch the following short clip of a couple talking about their experience of the relationship vision exercise. https://bit.ly/2sxzDcX
However briefly this is how to write your relationship vision statement.
You and your partner will need two sheets of paper, a couple of pens, and about 30 minutes of time.
Firstly take about 10 minutes each individually writing out some visions you have for your relationship. Describe the kind of relationship you desire with your partner. Write them in the present tense and in a positive way – e.g. “We are smart with money,” as opposed to, “We avoid money problems.”
Some vision examples may include:
- We are committed to each other
- We enjoy travelling together
- We share in household duties
- We support each other’s careers
- We listen to each other
- We respect each other
- We resolve our differences respectfully.
Share your Relationship Vision
After you’ve made your individual lists, come together as a couple and share your visions with each other. Using these as a guide, you then make a “master” list. The goal is to combine your two individual visions into one shared list. Once you’ve done that then you can draw or print up your shared visions and read it together from time to time, reminding yourselves of what is important to both of you.
There are many helpful ways to use the relationship vision. It’s worth the investment. Just like your business might have a mission statement…why not have a mission statement and vision for your relationship (which I guess is more important than your business!?)
Use the self-help book, ‘Getting the Love You Want’ or be in touch for a life-transforming session to develop and live your ideal couple relationship vision.
Contact us today and learn more about our Couple Therapy.