Every year, we set New Year’s resolutions in the hopes of embracing better habits and creating a more fulfilling life. The promise of a fresh start fills us with hope and possibility, inspiring us to strive for our best selves. Common resolutions often include eating healthier, exercising more, saving money, or reducing stress. Yet, one goal remains universal among couples: the desire to spend more quality time with our partners.
Unfortunately, as life’s obligations pile up, these well-intentioned plans often fall by the wayside. By mid-January, many of us abandon our resolutions altogether—a trend so widespread that the second Friday of January has earned the nickname Quitter’s Day.
In a recent survey we conducted among American couples, more than half of the respondents said they don’t get to spend quality time with their partner more than once a week. Most participants expressed a desire for more time together, believing it could improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships. However, between work, kids, and busy schedules, it can be tough to make time to really be present with each other.
The good news? You don’t need a major overhaul to create meaningful moments with your partner. Sometimes, the secret lies in reimagining the routines you already have—no expensive outings or rigorous scheduling required.
Showering Together: A Surprising Hack for More Quality Time
We all spend a significant amount of time in the shower each year—around 98 hours on average. Whether it’s where you get ready to start your day, or decompress at the end of it, taking a shower is an integral part of our daily routines. For many, the shower is a unique oasis of tranquility, where we take a break from the stressors of our busy lives and find reprieve for our minds and bodies. Now imagine sharing that blissful time to be fully present with your partner.
When you think of showering with your partner, romance or physical intimacy may come to mind. But a shared shower offers so much more than physical connection; it’s a built-in opportunity to enjoy distraction-free quality time, and 71% of couples we polled confirmed that showering together helps them feel closer. With no phones, children, or external interruptions, the shower can become a haven for reconnection and intimacy.
Here’s how you can make shower time more meaningful:
1. Physical Intimacy
2. Emotional Vulnerability
The relaxed environment makes it a great place to truly open up to your partner. Being fully present with one another in this intimate environment allows you to ask meaningful questions and explore feelings that might be buried in the rush of daily life. It’s an opportunity to connect deeply and work through any emotions or concerns that come up.
The mutual physical vulnerability of being naked together adds another layer of intimacy. There’s no hiding behind clothes or distractions, making it a moment to “bare it all”—both physically and emotionally. This shared openness can strengthen trust and deepen your connection, creating a bond that goes beyond words.
3. Intellectual Connection
Shower time isn’t just about physical and emotional intimacy—it can also be a space for intellectual connection. Use this uninterrupted time to discuss recent events, share opinions about a book or movie, or dream up future plans together. The soothing environment encourages thoughtful conversation and allows you to engage with each other’s minds in a way that’s often lost in the chaos of everyday life.
You might find that the clarity of mind brought on by the shower sparks new ideas or perspectives. Whether you’re brainstorming a solution to a problem or imagining your next vacation, the conversations you have here can be uniquely meaningful and inspiring.
Enhance Your Shower Experience
Take things a step further with these thoughtful additions to your shower experience that will help you intentionally engage with your partner.
- Set the Mood: Light candles, play music, and use scented bath products.
- Upgrade Your Space: Invest in a tandem shower for a touch of luxury that ensures both of you stay warm, comfortable, and free to give each other your undivided attention.
- Be Present: Use this time to focus solely on each other, leaving the day’s stress behind.
A shared shower can feel both romantic and refreshing—it’s a creative way to finally stick to your resolution of spending more quality time together.
This year, instead of overloading your to-do list with ambitious goals, try weaving more intimate moments into your existing routines. Sharing a shower with your partner is an opportunity to nurture your relationship on multiple levels. By embracing the physical, emotional, and intellectual connection that this simple activity offers, you can turn an everyday ritual into a powerful act of intimacy and love.
