Relationship tips: How to reignite love and reconnect after time apart

Couples may part ways for various reasons including miscommunication, growing apart, or external pressures. All these can contribute to a relationship's decline. Yet, time apart can also encourage reflection and personal growth, leading some couples to rekindle their bond later.
If you’re serious about reviving your relationship after a long period of no contact, here's a guide, from relationship expert Jeevika Sharma, that wil help you bridge the gap:

• Reflect on the past: Understand the reasons for the separation and your role in it.

How: Write in a journal about your feelings and experiences during the relationship, identifying key issues that led to the breakup.

• Reach out with empathy: Make contact with a sincere, empathetic message, acknowledging the hurt and distance.

How: Send a text saying, “I’ve been thinking about our time together and realise I hurt you. I’d love to talk if you’re open to it.”

• Apologise genuinely: Offer a heartfelt apology for your mistakes, taking responsibility for your actions.

How: When you communicate, say, “I’m truly sorry for how I treated you and the pain it caused. I take full responsibility for my actions.”

• Listen actively: Engage in open, honest conversations, actively listening to each other's feelings and concerns.

How: During your conversations, summarise what your partner says to show you understand, like, “It sounds like you felt neglected when I was busy with work.”

• Rebuild trust: Focus on rebuilding trust through transparency, reliability, and consistency.

How: If you commit to calling regularly, follow through on that promise to show you can be relied upon.

• Meet in person: Arrange a meeting in a neutral, comfortable setting to reconnect face-to-face.

How: Suggest meeting at a place where you both shared happy memories.

• Counselling or therapy: Consider seeking professional help to work through issues and strengthen your relationship.

How: Suggest attending a couples’ workshop together to learn new communication techniques.

• Rekindle intimacy: Prioritise emotional and physical intimacy to reestablish your connection.

How: Plan a date night where you can focus on each other without distractions.

• Foster healthy communication: Establish open, honest communication, addressing issues and concerns promptly.

How: Set aside time each week to discuss any concerns or feelings that have come up.

• Commit to growth: Work together to grow and improve, both individually and as a couple.

How: Take up a new hobby together, like art class or hiking, to encourage teamwork and shared experiences.

• Celebrate milestones: Mark important dates and special occasions to celebrate your reconnection.

How: Plan a small celebration for the anniversary of your reconnection.

• Be patient and flexible: Reviving a relationship takes time, effort, and flexibility from both partners.

How: Understand that healing takes time and be ready to adapt your approach based on your partner’s feelings.

• Show appreciation and gratitude: Express gratitude for each other and the relationship.

How: Make it a habit to thank each other for the little things, like cooking dinner or listening to concerns.

• Support each other's goals: Encourage and support each other's goals, dreams, and aspirations.

How: If your partner has academic goals, offer to help them with research or manage household tasks.

• Respect independence: Maintain individuality and independence within the relationship.

How: Encourage each other to spend time with friends and pursue personal interests outside the relationship.