Summer has a way of getting away from us, doesn’t it? One minute we’re talking about warmer weather, and the next thing we know, school is starting again and the chaos of fall is creeping in. That’s why now is the perfect time to plan — not just for vacations or activities, but for connection.
If you’ve followed along with my blog for a while, you might remember the Eight Dates-inspired series we explored last year, based on the work of Drs. John and Julie Gottman. These intentional, conversation-driven dates are designed to help couples deepen their relationship, one topic at a time — from conflict and trust to fun and dreams.
If you missed them the first time around, you can catch up here:
- Say Hello to Eight Dates (We’re Testing Them for You!)
- Eight Dates #1: Lean On Me — Trust and Commitment
- Eight Dates #2: Agree to Disagree — Addressing Conflict
- Eight Dates #3: Let’s Get It On — Sex & Intimacy
- Eight Dates #4: The Cost of Love — Work & Money
- Eight Dates #5: Room To Grow — Family
- Eight Dates #6: Play With Me — Fun & Adventure
- Eight Dates #7: Something to Believe In — Growth & Spirituality
- Eight Dates #8: A Lifetime of Love — Dreams
This summer, I’d love to encourage you to revisit those ideas — and make them your own! You don’t need far-flung adventures with fancy dinners or expensive hotels. In fact, you don’t even need to leave your home town!
One family I know won’t be able to plan long, out-of-town vacations this summer due to time-off constraints, so they’re making a point to explore their backyard in ways they ordinarily may not. Creativity loves constraint, right? There are state parks, arthouse theaters, waterfalls and coastal caves, small-town farms, independent bookstores, movies in the park, summer festivals, and so much more to explore.
Another couple I know packed up their cooler and their kiddo and headed out for a weekend of camping in a yurt! Outdoorsy, fun, affordable — and most importantly, an intentional space to be together. For some of us (myself included!), sleeping on the ground just isn’t going to cut it anymore. But a yurt? That’s doable. Think of it as glamping-lite — no need to pack the whole kitchen, and no need to spring for luxury accommodations either.
Whether it’s a yurt, a cabin, or just a picnic at a local park, what matters most is the quality time you spend together.
As a therapist offering couples therapy and marriage counseling, I often see couples get stuck in routines that don’t leave much room for fun or real communication. That’s where working with a professional can help — and so can a little creative planning. If you’re also navigating stress, depression, or emotional disconnection, we can explore options like depression therapy, EMDR, or even neurofeedback to support your healing.
It also bears mentioning that you don’t have to wait for something to be broken before you fix it. A little “relationship maintenance” can do wonders, even during sunny, upbeat seasons like summer.
Your relationship deserves care, attention, and joy. As you plan your summer, ask each other not just what you want to do, but how you want to feel — together. Reignite curiosity. Invite playfulness. And carve out space to truly hear each other.
Whether it’s a yurt getaway or a candlelit backyard dinner, meaningful connection doesn’t have to be expensive — it just has to be intentional.
Need help rekindling your connection this summer? Reach out — I’d love to walk alongside you.
