How to Become a More Social Person

Sure, it’s nice to plop down on the couch, snuggle up with your partner and spend the night in. And sometimes these moments are exactly what you and your mate are in the mood for. Besides, there are countless shows, movies and programs to choose from and binge-watching Netflix has become the social norm.

But if staying in with your partner has become your go-to routine week after week, you’re actually harming the health and happiness of your relationship.

After all, how much are you and your partner really connecting while staring at the TV like zombies while watching your zombie show? In order to avoid a relationship rut, it’s important for you and your mate to venture out into the fresh air and get a fresh perspective.

Here’s how to stop your sofa habit and start your own relationship transformation.

1. Make plans with others.

Instead of spending the day or night in together watching episodes of “Modern Family,” make plans with your actual family and friends so that you’re not tempted to spend your time in front of the TV.

You and your mate can meet your family at a family style restaurant. Hang out with your friends at a local bowling alley. Play some doubles tennis with your coworker and his girlfriend.

You don’t have to dress to the nines, put on uncomfortable heels or even wear a clean shirt—you can still have a low-key and enjoyable time together by leaving the comforts of your sofa behind.

In fact, just the act of spending time together as a couple off of the couch, out of the house and with others who are important in your life will allow you to connect with your partner on a deeper level.

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2. Enjoy couples activities.

When you’re in a relationship, it’s important to take advantage of the many different activities, offerings and pastimes designed especially for couples.

There are dance classes, cooking lessons, exercise sessions and sports leagues (to name a few) specifically geared toward people in relationships.

Instead of spending your time with your sweetheart glued to the TV, stick with your honey and head to these entertaining, exciting and out-of-the-television-box types of endeavors.

3.  Sync your calendars.

If you want to make the most of your time with your partner, it’s important to do some executive planning and take charge of the time that you spend together.

After all, it’s possible that you and your partner end up staying in because neither of you has the time, foresight or energy to make reservations, find out about local events or look into joining different groups or activities.

However, for your relationship to grow and blossom, it’s important to do a little planning and preparation so that your nights of doing “nothing” can turn into doing “something.”

Take a stay cation and hit up an amusement park. Plan an afternoon picnic and stroll along the boardwalk. Find the nearest karaoke bar and belt out your favorite tunes to your favorite person. A little forethought can be formidable.

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4. Stay in with a twist.

It’s important to remember that staying in doesn’t mean you can’t stay social. You don’t have to go out every single night, but the difference is that when you do stay in, you’re not just turning on the TV and shutting yourself off from your partner.

If you don’t feel like going out, you can cook a romantic dinner together as a couple. Invite your friends over for game night. Take on a project with your partner and paint your bedroom a new color.

You can still stay in and stay involved and tuned in to your partner. As long as you don’t make a habit of being a hermit, you can enjoy a thriving relationship with your partner.

5. Communicate with your mate.

If you’re interested in being social as a couple, but you’re finding that your boyfriend or girlfriend would rather stay in, it’s important to communicate your wishes to him or her.

Your partner might not be aware that you’re interested in doing anything other than staying in the house and watching “House of Cards.”

Unless Frank and Claire Underwood are your relationship role models, communicating your true desires to your partner has never been so important.