Walking Strengthens Relationships
It shouldn't come as a surprise that couples who go for walks together report a higher level of satisfaction in their relationship.
As we've previously seen, walking has many, many benefits including keeping you healthier, reducing risk of disease, preventing depression and improving an overall sense of well being.
A recent article in The Boston Globe talks about the relationship benefits of couples going for walks together. What's great about this article is that it's less of a Dr. Phil approach, and more of the author Howard Scott talking about his own experience of marriage over 30 years. He makes a very strong case for walking being the key to a happy marriage.
Why does work? According to Howard:
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Walking together "forces you to lock in step, moving at the same speed, pacing at the same energy level. You form a rhythm of motion
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The two of you against the world: "You feel like a twosome, it fosters a couples mentality. So when problems arise, you cope with the situation instead of throwing up your hands. You do that because, even when annoyed with your partner, an inner voice says "You are walkers. The walkers keep on trucking."
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It gets you out of your world and allows you to observe the lives of others: "You realize, whether in chateau or shack, all couples have their way of getting through the days and nights. You're reminded that everyone has problems. It puts matters in perspective."
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It's we, not just you and me: "It gets you outside, out of your world, into a social milieu. Everything is spoken as 'we this' or 'we that'. You're talking as a team. There's a subtle strengthening of the spousal bond."
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Get talking about the little things: "You'll use the time to discuss the matters of the day, ironing our disagreements, airing complaints, and clarifying understandings."
Do you and your partner walk together? Where are some of your favourite places to walk?