The Weekly Couples Check-In: A Simple Practice to Improve Communication and Strengthen Connection
In the hustle of daily life (work, errands, family demands, endless to-do list), it is easy for couples to slip into logistical mode and forget about each other. Conversations become about who’s picking up the kids or what needs to go on the grocery list, and the deeper connection can quietly drift to the background.
That’s why I recommend a Weekly Check-In. A structured ritual to pause, reconnect, and ensure you are both prioritizing your relationship.
This practice isn’t about fixing everything in one conversation. It’s about creating consistent space to stay aligned, heard, and emotionally connected. Over time, this small investment can deepen trust, improve communication, and help you navigate life as a team.
Why It Works: The Research Behind the Practice
Small rituals build big resilience. According to research by Dr. Gottman, regular rituals of connection such as emotional check-ins, gratitude practices, and stress-reducing conversations are foundational to relationship satisfaction and longevity.
Turning toward strengthens the bond. The Gottmans’ research found that couples who consistently “turn toward” each other during everyday interactions have stronger, more resilient relationships. Weekly check-ins are one way to practice this regularly.
Emotional attunement matters. The research highlights that emotionally attuned partners, those who proactively check in on each other’s internal worlds, report higher relationship satisfaction and lower conflict escalation.
Download the Weekly Check-In Worksheet
I’ve created a printable version of the Weekly Couples Check-In that you can use at home.
Tips to Make It Work
Set a regular time: Treat it like an appointment, consistency is part of what makes it effective.
Keep it curious, not critical: Approach each question with a spirit of genuine curiosity.
Adapt it to fit your relationship: Use the questions that feel most relevant and/or develop your own.
While grand gestures can be romantic, relationships thrive with regular maintenance and intentional attention. The Weekly Check-In is a simple, research-informed way to nurture the emotional and practical threads of your connection.
If you are struggling to find connection on your own, Reach Out for a Free Consultation.
References
Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A practical guide from the country’s foremost relationship expert. Harmony Books. https://www.gottman.com/product/the-seven-principles-for-making-marriage-work/
Gottman, J. M. (2011). The science of trust: Emotional attunement for couples. W. W. Norton & Company. https://www.gottman.com/product/the-science-of-trust/
