The Couples Workshop

08/13/2024

Here are 4 tips to make stressful conversations be E.A.S.Y.!

Discover 4 powerful communication tips from a counselor to improve your relationship and avoid conflict. Make conversations easier with these expert strategies.

06/14/2024

While gifts are only one way to connect with your partner romantically, vacation-based gifts can enhance the travel experience and create lasting memories. ✈️ Here are some thoughtful gift ideas!

Personalized Travel Journal: A journal where your partner can document the trip, jot down thoughts, and paste photos or mementos.

Travel-Themed Jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, or rings featuring coordinates of a special place, airplane charms, or culturally-inspired designs.

Customized Luggage Tags: Stylish and personalized luggage tags to add a personal touch to your partner’s suitcase.

Polaroid Camera: A portable instant camera for capturing and printing memories on the go while also allowing you to unplug.

Travel Pillow and Blanket Set: A cozy and compact set for comfortable travels, especially during long flights or road trips.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker: A small speaker to enjoy your favorite music or podcasts during your travels.

Travel Guidebook: A detailed guidebook about your destination, offering insider tips, maps, and recommendations.

Luxury Toiletries Kit: A high-quality, travel-sized toiletries set to add a touch of luxury to the trip.

Travel-Themed Board Games: Compact board games that are travel-themed, perfect for downtime in the hotel or during long journeys.

Scratch-Off World Map: A map where you can scratch off the destinations you visit together, creating a visual record of your travels.

Personalized Passport Holder: A stylish and functional passport holder with your partner’s initials or a special message.

Experience Gift Cards: Gift cards for activities or experiences at your destination, such as a hot air balloon ride, a romantic dinner, or a guided tour.

Eco-Friendly Travel Kit: A set of reusable items like water bottles, utensils, and bags to promote sustainable travel.

Travel-Sized Games and Puzzles: Compact games and puzzles to keep entertained during travel downtime.

Customized Travel Map: A beautiful map where you can mark and track your travel destinations, adding notes and photos.

Luxury Sweatshirts: A high-quality, compact and durable hoodie or sweatshirt can provide comfort while also holding up to packing.

Portable Charger: A reliable portable charger to keep your devices powered throughout your travels.

Romantic Picnic Set: A picnic basket with all the essentials for a romantic outdoor meal, perfect for scenic spots on your trip.

Travel Candle Set: Scented travel candles to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere in your hotel room – just be sure they allow candles in the room!

Subscription to a Travel Magazine: A subscription to a travel magazine to inspire future adventures together.

Do you want more information on how to increase intimacy while travelling? This week's post targets just that!

🧡 https://toolsforus.com/2024/06/14/heres-how-to-make-a-vacation-more-romantic/

Safe travels this summer!

04/12/2024

Managing Adaptability. Yes, this blog post can benefit both your business and your marriage! Here’s how.

Most of the clients here at The Couples Workshop are business owners. I have written this post to honor your unique demands – both at work and with your partner. In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, one trait stands out among the rest as a true game-changer: adaptability. In a world where change is the only constant, businesses that thrive are those led by individuals who can quickly pivot, innovate, and evolve.

So, how can business owners cultivate adaptability within themselves, their organizations, and their relationships? Here are some strategies to consider:

Stay Informed:

+ Business: Keep a pulse on industry trends, emerging technologies, and market shifts. Knowledge is power, and staying informed allows you to anticipate changes and proactively adjust your strategies.

+ Relationship: If you know what your partner is experiencing, then you can prepare accordingly. If they are experiencing high stress, then you can adapt conversations accordingly. Deeply knowing your partner is powerful for the longevity of your relationship.

Embrace Experimentation:

+ Business: Don’t be afraid to try new approaches, even if they involve some degree of risk. Experimentation fosters innovation and provides valuable insights that can inform future decision-making.

+ Relationship: If you have a desire, then try something new and unique to meet that need. For example, couples talk about wanting more adventure – see how you can create that without leaving your bedroom or by exploring your hometown.

Learn from Failure:

+ Business: View failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Analyze what went wrong, extract valuable lessons, and apply them to future endeavors. Failure isn’t fatal unless you fail to learn from it.

+ Relationship: Whether it is having a heated argument, missing an anniversary, or having parenting style differences – you can rebuild when you learn from failure. Have an open, honest conversation with your partner to learn both sides of what happened and try to come up with a compromise (even if it is short-term).

Want to learn more? Here's all the details:
https://toolsforus.com/2024/04/12/mastering-adaptability/

04/03/2024

What can porcupines teach couples about s*x and communication? In this 2-minute video, Dr. John Gottman shares his perspective on warm connection and intimacy with a lesson from a porcupine!
🧡🛠

What can porcupines teach couples about s*x and communication everywhere? This warm story is a favorite of Dr. Gottman's, because it illustrates their approa...

03/14/2024

Here are 31 spring date ideas!

1. Attend a sporting event such as baseball/softball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, or tennis. This can be a local sporting event or a professional… or go play yourselves!

2. Dinner on the patio. You can enjoy each other’s company right in your backyard.

3. Go to the farmers market. Here in Fort Collins, we have a little longer to wait for the outdoor markets. The Larimer County Farmers' Market opens May 18th. In the meantime, the winter market at the Foothills Mall is open through April 8th!

4. Enjoy the sunshine with mini golf. There are also some indoor places if the weather is still too chilly.

5. Go on a bike ride! That might include a community ride so you don’t have to plan a route or be spontaneous to see where the bike paths take you.

6. Plan your garden or get going on your starters.

7. Go wine tasting. Enjoy the start of spring by sipping wine together.

8. Take a hike! But in the best way. It’s a great time to get outdoors to experience the shift in seasons.

9. Watch the sunset. Now that the sun isn’t setting while you’re still in the office, you can experience it together.

10. Visit a local museum.

11. Walk through your local botanical gardens. Here in Fort Collins that might be strolling through the Gardens on Spring Creek

12. Scavenger hunt to go down memory lane. Leave clues around the house or your neighborhood at locations that remind you of your partner.

13. Go to a concert. Many concerts are back outdoors – check your favorite venue to see who is coming to town.

14. Hot air balloon. It’s not too cold to get up in the air to get a lovely view of spring starting to bloom.

15. Restaurant hop. Have appetizers, dinner, and dessert at three different spots. It’s nicer out now so you can also enjoy the walk in between spots.

16. Try a new recipe together. You may want to combine it with a fun cocktail/mocktail, too!

17. Outdoor movie at home! If needed, video projectors run about $100 to start. Layout a blanket, throw pillows, and pop some popcorn right in your backyard.

18. Wake up early to watch “Saturday morning cartoons” like you did growing up. Consider combining it with your favorite breakfast, brunch, or mimosas.

19. Attend an outdoor festival. This might be an art, BBQ, or music festival. Check your local county’s calendar to see upcoming events.

20. Speaking of BBQ make your own! If you don’t have a smoker, there are tutorials on Google or YouTube to use your grill as a smoker. Making your own is an all-day activity so you can also add some quality time with games or conversations at the same time.

21. It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day. Make some green beer together and plan one another’s outfits! Perhaps you want to get out of the house and visit a local brewery such as New Belgium Brewing - Fort Collins, Odell Brewing Co, or Timnath Beerwerks

22. Outdoor movie. Here in Fort Collins we have The Lyric or Holiday Twin Drive-In

23. Watch the sunset from the rooftop now that it won’t be too cold in the evenings.

24. Travel. Spring can bring some excitement around the world. Consider getting out of town to hit the beach for an early glimpse into summer.

25. Visit a national park. You can witness the spring season coming to life! You may even want to research when wildlife have their young. While it may be challenging to spot wildlife, it is truly magical when you can witness it!

26. In addition to young animals, check with your local farms to see if they are open to a tour. You may be able to see a foal or calf on the farm.

27. Go roller skating just like you did when you were growing up!

28. Play a round of golf or consider going to a trainer together to learn.

29. Have a photo shoot. If you enjoy spring, then capture it together. You may want to hire a photographer if you want more variety than selfies.

30. Spend the day at the hot springs. If you are in Colorado, some springs that come to mind are located in: Steamboat Springs, Pagosa Springs, Gunnison, or Redstone. Some locations even have adult-only time if you’d like a bit more romance for your visit.

31. Spend a clear spring evening stargazing together. Head to a secluded spot away from city lights spread out a blanket, and admire the twinkling stars above.

Have fun and happy date night!