5 Simple Activities Couples Can Do to Improve Communication (Without Feeling Awkward)

Let’s face it—communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. But for a lot of couples, it can feel like there’s a disconnect. Whether it’s misreading each other’s signals, not fully listening, or having the same argument on repeat (you know the one), improving communication skills is key to a stronger, more connected relationship. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be a formal, sit-down intervention. You can actually improve your communication skills through fun, simple activities that don’t feel like therapy homework. Let’s dive into a few that can really help.

1. The 10-Minute Check-In

Okay, I know this sounds almost too simple, but you’d be surprised how powerful a 10-minute check-in can be. The idea is to set aside just 10 minutes every day to talk—without distractions. No phones, no TV, no kids interrupting every 30 seconds. Just you and your partner.

During this time, focus on sharing how you’re feeling, how your day went, or anything on your mind. But here’s the catch—this isn’t about discussing problems or making to-do lists. It’s just about connecting and being present with each other. The more you practice this, the easier it becomes to share openly without feeling rushed.

Why it works: Regular, small check-ins help you stay connected and reduce the chances of misunderstandings building up over time. It creates a safe space for communication without the pressure of tackling big issues every time.

2. Active Listening Practice (Yes, It’s a Thing)

You’ve heard it a million times—“You need to listen better.” But what does that actually mean? Enter: active listening. This is a simple but effective exercise that helps couples improve how they listen to each other.

Here’s how to do it: One person talks about a topic for a few minutes while the other listens. The listener’s job is to focus on understanding, not responding. After the speaker is done, the listener reflects back what they heard—without adding their own opinions. Then, switch roles.

Why it works: This exercise helps both partners feel heard and understood, which is a major win for communication. Plus, it trains you to listen before reacting, which can help defuse arguments before they spiral.

3. The “Love Map” Game

This one’s a bit more fun! Created by relationship expert Dr. John Gottman, the “Love Map” game is all about asking your partner questions to deepen your understanding of each other. Think of it like a casual Q&A session, but with the goal of really getting to know the small, personal details of your partner’s inner world.

You can ask things like:

• “What’s something you’re really passionate about right now?”

• “What’s been on your mind lately?”

• “What’s something I can do to make you feel more supported?”

Why it works: This game is about more than just communication—it’s about building emotional intimacy. When you know more about each other’s inner worlds, it’s easier to communicate with empathy and understanding.

4. The Weekly “Team Meeting”

Okay, hear me out—this one sounds like something straight out of a business manual, but it works wonders in relationships. The idea is to have a weekly “team meeting” where you and your partner talk about the upcoming week, how you’re feeling about the relationship, and what (if anything) needs to be addressed.

This doesn’t have to be all serious. Keep it casual, like over coffee or a glass of wine. Start with something positive, like what you appreciated about each other that week, and then move on to any topics that might need a little more attention.

Why it works: Having a structured time to talk about relationship stuff can help prevent small annoyances from turning into big arguments. Plus, it shows you’re both committed to checking in and improving communication regularly.

5. Nonverbal Communication Challenge

This one’s for the couples who feel like they’re talking past each other. Here’s the challenge: spend a day focusing on your nonverbal communication. Pay attention to how much you communicate through body language, eye contact, and touch—without using words. At the end of the day, talk about what you noticed.

Did you feel more connected? Did you pick up on each other’s signals without speaking? It can be surprising how much we say without saying anything at all.

Why it works: A lot of communication is nonverbal, and this exercise helps you become more aware of how your body language and expressions impact the way you connect with your partner.

The Takeaway

Improving communication in a relationship doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a few simple activities—whether it’s a daily check-in or playing the “Love Map” game—you can deepen your connection, learn how to really listen, and have some fun in the process. Communication is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better the more you practice.

So, the next time you and your partner feel like you’re not on the same page, try one of these activities. You might just find that improving your communication can be a lot easier (and more enjoyable) than you thought!