Two Day Magazine

Creativity. What place does that have in relationships, you might wonder?

Perhaps you have never thought about creativity being a guiding force in happy, satisfying relationships. But, think again. People in relationships (especially long term ones) have a tendency to get into routines with one another. And, (let’s be honest), relationships can become dull if the people involved don’t make that extra effort to enhance the time they spend together. Sure, we all become comfortable with our significant other, and comfort can be a good thing, but so can spontaneity, which can spring from creativity.

While often confused as being the same as “artistic,” creativity actually refers to something bigger than that. One definition states that creativity is “the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others.”

When you really look at that definition, it makes sense that creativity would be instrumental in happy relationships. 

Here are some key examples:

Your partner, who you know really cares about you, makes a comment that you think your worst enemy would probably not even say:

Being creative helps stop us from making the assumption of what was meant and refrain from getting angry. Creativity allows us to consider “there may be another examination for that comment” and seek out alternatives.

It is your only night together in a few weeks. You want to do one thing and your partner wants to do something completely different:

Brainstorm ideas together of what you could do: compromise with some of what he wants and what she wants? Something completely different? Creative people will have fun coming up with what to do rather than deplete the mojo by complaining “we always do what you want.”

The in-laws want to come stay for a week at your place over the holidays:

Being creative will allow you to stay sane during what could be a stressful situation. Rather than sit around staring at each other for 7 grueling days, let your creative juices flow on how you could have fun together (take a holiday cooking course) and apart (sign your in-laws up for a tour in the city closest to you).

Fun, monogamous sex:

Explore new sexual positions, try something different that you read about once and always wanted to tell your partner about. Role-play. Enjoy the process and let go of some of your inhibitions.

Creative people think outside the box and tend to enjoy the process of life just as much as the outcome...so give it a whirl! You just might find that adding an element of creativity to your relationship routine will make you a healthier, HAPPIER you!

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twoday magazine wants to know: How can you add more creativity to juice up your relationship? Share your ideas so we can all have happier, more fulfilling connections.

Follow Dr. Lombardo on Twitter @DrELombardo for more tips on how to increase your happiness!