As we move into the colder months, many of us naturally turn toward the comforts of routine such as the morning coffee, the evening wind-down, and other small gestures that bring steadiness to our days. For couples, these rituals can be subtle yet powerful moments of connection. They remind us that we’re part of a “we,” even in the midst of busy lives.

These moments can take many forms: bringing your partner a cup of coffee in bed, taking a walk together after dinner, or planning a quarterly getaway to step out of daily demands and back into intimacy. Routines like these can nurture a sense of closeness and care and infuse a rhythm that says, I’m thinking of you.

Yet couples often slip in and out of these rituals without realizing it. Sometimes the change brings freshness and new energy; other times it can quietly erode a source of connection. Life transitions, such as having children, starting a new job, navigating health or lifestyle changes can easily disrupt the patterns that once felt comforting and grounding.

So what can couples do when those moments of connection get disrupted, or when they were never fully established to begin with?