Adrian Volenik
Every healthy relationship performs like a well-oiled team or machine. Still, some people are better at relationships than others and truly take this phrase to the next level.
Today, I’ll show you examples of what things you and your partner do that prove you’re an efficient (and loving) team.
And no, smacking your partner on the butt cheek isn’t enough to be a team.
1) Adventure and exploration
Venturing on new experiences together, such as traveling to unexplored destinations, trying extreme sports, attending unique cultural events, or learning a new skill, promotes a sense of shared excitement and growth.
It’s one of the best ways to create a strong bond and a feeling of “we’re in this thing together.”
My wife and I have always tried doing this as much as possible, and even now that we have a kid, we still don’t shy away from occasional adventures together.
2) Volunteering together
Volunteering as a couple allows you to contribute positively to your community but also strengthens the connection with your partner. It’s a shared experience that makes a difference in the lives of others.
It also says a lot about your character and to what lengths you’re ready to go to help your fellow humans (or animals).
I know a few couples that have started volunteering together after almost breaking up, and it’s made a world of difference for their relationship.
The thing is, even if one partner is reluctant to try it at first, they soon turn around and recognize how valuable this experience is overall.
As is the following thing.
3) Shared rituals
Developing your own personalized rituals, like having a weekly movie night with a theme, cooking together every Sunday, or DIY crafting something together, is another way couples form a team.
My wife and I designate a day of the week for trying something new or exploring a different aspect of our city. It could be trying a new restaurant, visiting a museum, hiking, or attending a local event.
And on clear nights, we lay out a blanket and spend time stargazing. We use an app to identify constellations and enjoy a cider together under the night sky.
4) Supporting each other’s personal challenges
This is an incredibly important aspect of any healthy relationship. Without support for each other’s challenges, goals, and progress, there’s no way your relationship will grow.
Support for personal dreams and projects inspires a mutual sense of achievement and motivation.
Most people’s challenges range from fitness goals to creative endeavors or even learning a new language.
So if you two support and help each other through these times, you’re definitely a good team.
5) Playfulness
Most people take life and themselves too seriously. But if you incorporate playfulness into your interactions, it leads to more laughter and fun.
We’ve all seen YouTube couples that do pranks on each other. It doesn’t have to be so extreme, but if you play harmless pranks on each other, it means you’re still playful and function as a team.
If your relationship isn’t that playful, why not initiate it first? Create inside jokes, surprise each other with mischievous pranks, or play board games or video games together.
It might just give your relationship a new life.
6) Vision boarding
Envisioning your future is another important part of every relationship. In order to work on a better future together, you need to know exactly what your dreams and aspirations are and, hopefully, how you’ll get there.
A vision board got a bad rep since the movie The Secret came out. However, I still think it’s a useful tool that almost makes the things on it feel reachable.
So if you and your partner worked on a vision board or something similar that outlines your shared dreams and goals, helping you stay aligned and motivated on your journey, you’re a team.
7) Mindfulness and wellness 
This is another favorite activity of ours. I can attest that practicing mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or other exercises or sports together can deepen your connection as a couple.
In fact, shared wellness activities create a sense of balance within the partnership. Not to mention how fulfilling and relaxed you are during and/or after.
8) Learning together
Having moved to a different country, we had to start learning the language fast. We went to lectures, and this turned out to be our favorite activity ever.
Plus, we met other people and couples in the same position as us, which meant we made good friends, too. Talk about a win-win-win situation!
In general, attending workshops, lectures, or online courses as a couple sparks intriguing discussions and expands your horizons.
And above all, learning together not only stimulates your intellect but also strengthens your bond.
9) Random acts of kindness
Do you guys surprise each other with unexpected gestures of kindness, such as leaving sweet notes, planning surprise date nights, or doing something thoughtful just because?
We know how important it is to work on the relationship. And it’s things like that that separate long-lasting couples from others.
Neglecting the relationship soon enough leaves at least one partner unsatisfied, and before you know it, you’re in a world of trouble.
10) Alternate perspectives
Partners don’t have to agree on everything. In fact, my wife and I have many opposite opinions on things. Nothing that could break us up or divide us, but let’s say we have some heated debates.
Deliberately engaging in respectful discussions about different things helps deepen your understanding of each other’s values and viewpoints.
It also helps you get to know your partner much better.
11) Sensory experiences
Exploring sensory-rich experiences, like trying unique cuisines, visiting art galleries, or experiencing sensory deprivation tanks, creates lasting memories and also stimulates interesting discussions.
Sensory experiences help you both connect with the world around you and each other in unique ways.
Plus, they add a special touch to your partnership by creating special memories, making your bond even stronger.
12) Silence and solitude
Spending time together in silence, whether it’s during nature walks, while watching a sunset, or simply enjoying each other’s company without conversation, allows us to connect on a serene and non-verbal level.
We don’t always have to do engaging things together, do we?
Many times, we’re so overwhelmed by the outside world that we simply need to find comfort in our partner’s arms.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Final thoughts
There are many things that prove you and your partner act like a team. It’s also never too late to start including activities that bring you even closer together.
I’ve seen way too many relationships on autopilot to leave things to chance. Never take your partner for granted.
