This Valentine’s week, chocolates, flowers, jewelry and fancy dinners often get all the attention, but what about TV shows?!
Can binge-watching a series together be good for your relationship?
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Studies have shown that many couples say watching TV together strengthened their relationship, so we went to an expert to find out how to Netflix and chill your way to a better relationship.
“If couples are having some tension or having some difficulty sort of connecting, I often suggest that they find a TV show to watch together,” said Jessica Kramer, a psychotherapist and couples counselor.
Research has found that staying home and watching TV together can provide benefits for close relationships, particularly when couples lack shared friends or social networks.
“There’s something very nice about just sort of being in the same space and not having it fraught with any kind of discussions about family and kids and finances or the relationship,” Kramer said.
But with so many different streaming options and shows to choose from, do you have to find the perfect series to watch?
“Part of what’s beneficial, it’s not just the show, it’s the ritual,” Kramer said. “It’s kind of making a time together. Watching TV together is a really good way to decompress and do something that’s not controversial or emotionally charged, but yet you can connect.”
So what are some best practices?
- Be consistent: Set a time for the show and each other
- No devices: Really be in the moment and space together
- Communication: Share your thoughts about the show
“I just think the most important thing is to compromise but have an open mind and not be afraid to experiment with another show that you might not be interested in,” Kramer said.
