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Couple's Communication: 52 Weekly DatesIntroduction Couples living together for years and coming to know one another in every way can lead to both partners adopting an attitude of expectation of what the other should
do. As time passes, grooves and ruts from long term habitual behavior sets in, leading to the tendency for couples to "take for granted" what their partner will or won't do in any given
circumstance. This tendency can begin to erode the very harmony that produced/developed the attitude of giving without condition or unconditional surrender in love to one another.
This book is written for those who have been in a relationship for at least 5 years or more. However, these dates are meant to be used by any couple, even newlyweds in order to become closer or more
intimate. (It's also a great gift for a wedding shower, with a note to pull out in 5 years). These dates are not meant to be stressful, but companionable. If you find that you are getting
angry about something during one of the activities---STOP! Suspend the activity and resolve the issue before resuming the date, as ironing out wrinkles is positive. Reward yourselves by
completing the date in a positive manner. You will have increased your intimacy levels if you do! The reason for the dates is not only to be a means of preventing friction or tension from
building up due to a lack of communication, but it is a means of alleviating pressures and tensions that may come from external sources that have a tendency to create rifts within the relationship, and
within ourselves also. What will also begin to become obvious to the more experienced, longer term relationship, as the dates are viewed and put to practice, is that the dates are designed to
take what may seem to be an already spiritual relationship to a higher spiritual plane. Those of you who are already at this level are seeing that you are outgrowing the worlds events as a means of
providing the kinds of activities that are necessary to maintain and provide spiritual growth. Couples who already have a deep spiritual bond will need more than events of an everyday–run-of-
the-mill-nature, to not just keep the spiritual candle lit--- but burning! This means to be able to establish a level of true intimacy that allows a couple to function in the hectic day-to-day affairs
of this life and still be connected on a plane that is established by only the two of you; transcending the mundane (walking in this world together although apart throughout a day or a season). This
also means that the couple realizes that their relationship is intended to transcend the barriers or confines of life in the finite into life-infinite or eternal. Plan to spend at least ONE
HOUR per week for a date, although there are a couple of exceptions. Plan these activities just for the two of you. Remember to be positive, encouraging and supportive to one another during the
dates. For those of you who have children plan for a sitter ahead of time for those activities that take you outside of the home or cannot be done at home while the children are asleep. These
dates are not ordered. YOU plan them according to YOUR schedule over the space of a year. You may not choose to do them all. That's fine. You may choose to do some more than
once. It is up to you as to what you schedule for your dates. My only suggestion is that you make the "PLANNING DATE" your first one in order to read the book together and schedule your
dates. If you have a palm pilot, or computerized calendar or a daily date planner, I advise you to use them. One bigger hint… put reminders in as well. Some of the dates take a little
preparation. Use the back of your page as a journal page. You can use it when planning your dates as a reference or for notes. My suggestion is that it be used as a response to
the date, write what you liked or did not like about the date, what you would do differently next time or if you gleaned anything from the experience… it's totally up to you! There are
health tips given at the bottom of each date. These tips are for your education and use. Good health is essential to maintaining a happy, positive relationship where you are able to enjoy each
other to the fullest extent possible, in mind, body and spirit. *The health tips are not to be used for diagnosis or treatment and consult your health care provider before use of any of these
tips. A few books will be suggested for a couple of the dates or health tips for your edification. Feel free to read any other books on the topics, as there are a myriad available. These
are just a few I have come across in my research. This book is not to be used as a substitute for counseling but rather to increase the intimacy level of those in a stable relationship. If you
are having troubles in your relationship seek appropriate help. All products mentioned can be purchased by going to the website: www.ElizaHints.com and clicking on Nature's Sunshine Products. FIRST DATE This should be your first date.
No cell phones, pagers, palm pilots or organizers
to interfere with your dates…
Treat your dates as a mandatory
spiritual reunion for the both of you;
for the spiritual and physical relationship. Read through the 52 dates together. Choose the dates that you want to do and the order that you want to do them in.
For the dates that need preparation plan that time in your schedules now, especially arranging for babysitters, vacation and holiday dates. The dates should be fun, No stress, No fuss. Just pure enjoyment! The more detail you plan ahead The easier it will be to accomplish these dates,
especially the dates that take extra prep time. Examples would be: hotel rooms, lunch reservations, private musician(s), florists, gifts that may need to be made or ordered, etc. Health Tip
Laughter is the best of medicine!
Having a good laugh everyday is an excellent stress reliever.Book Suggestions:
The Five Love Languages, by Dr. Barry Chapman.
Everyone has their unique way of communicating…learn your partner's style
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