No More Ships Passing in the Night: Reconnect and Align

The Importance of Communication, Check-Ins, and Planning in Relationships

Let’s face it: relationships are a wild ride. There are highs, lows, plot twists—sometimes we don’t even know where we're going, let alone how to get there. (like that one time you pulled in the driveway but have no recollection of the drive.) That’s why it’s crucial to communicate, make plans, and, most importantly, follow through. If you're not regularly checking in with your partner and forming plans you both commit to, it’s easy to end up like those ships that pass each other in the night: so close but never actually connecting.

Why Communication is Key

At the heart of every relationship is communication. (More than what is for dinner or to stop leaving your socks laying around.) This may sound cliché, but hear me out. Good communication is everything. You’re essentially sharing your life with someone else, so making sure they know where you’re coming from is crucial.

It’s all about keeping things real—asking questions, discussing thoughts, and feeling safe enough to voice concerns without turning every chat into an interrogation. And let's be honest: that’s easier said than done. Have you ever asked a question, only to have your partner look at you like you just dropped a bomb on them? (Maybe it's just me, but I’ve been there.)

If you find yourself holding back your thoughts to keep the peace or feeling like you're speaking two entirely different languages, your relationship might be on a sinking ship. It’s like trying to explain a recipe over the phone while your partner is microwaving the pasta wrong. It’s never going to end well unless you start cooking together!

Regular Check-Ins: Not Just for Therapy

Let’s talk about check-ins. No, not the kind that involves a therapist or a mandatory couples meeting with a "relationship expert" (unless you're into that, no judgment here! - We’ve done it). But real, honest, and casual moments where you both sit down to talk about where you're at—emotionally, practically, and maybe even just how the dog really peed in the house again. We’ve all been there. Regular conversations mean you're actively navigating life together, rather than passively watching your relationship drift off-course.

It’s like when I finally sat down for a much-needed gardening chat and realized mint wasn’t just a harmless herb—it was waging war on the entire garden. Next thing I knew, it was sneaking into every corner. A little early communication would've helped that situation and prevented a few strategic battles in my yard.

Form Plans Together (And Actually Stick to Them)

Forming plans together is another cornerstone of staying on track as a couple. Goals can keep a relationship going like a full tank of gas—it’s what keeps the wheels turning. Whether it’s managing finances, planning trips, or getting on the same page about house renovations, it’s essential to lay out clear steps together. The tricky part, though, is actually following through. I’ve been there. We’ve all written down big plans only for them to sit gathering dust (thanks, life, the economy, or can I blame it on the universe?).