When was the last time you really looked at your spouse? Not a quick glance across the room, not a distracted nod during a conversation, but a true, heartfelt gaze into their eyes.

It might feel a little awkward at first…or maybe even silly…but science and experience agree: eye contact is a powerful way to bond and reconnect.

Why Eye Contact Matters

We’re not talking about making eye contact with your boss as they hand you a long to-do list, or staring down an angry dog on your morning walk. We’re talking about something far more intimate: looking into the eyes of the person you love.

Studies show that most couples rarely make this kind of eye contact. They seldom gaze into each other’s eyes. That’s a big deal because eye contact strengthens emotional connection, communicates love and attentiveness, and can even trigger the release of oxytocin (the “bonding hormone.”) In short, gazing matters more than most of us realize.

A Simple Way to Reconnect

So, it’s time for being real with ourselves, when was the last time you gazed deeply into your partner’s eyes? If it’s been a while, why not change that this week?

Try this: set aside ten seconds, stop what you’re doing, and look into each other’s eyes like you used to in the early days of puppy-dog love. No distractions, no phones, just the two of you.

It’s amazing how something so simple can bring back memories, spark laughter, and remind you both why you fell in love in the first place.

A Gentle Challenge

Make it a mini ritual: a quick gaze after breakfast, a few seconds before heading to work, or just before bed. Ten seconds might not sound like much, but it’s enough to rekindle your bond and deepen your connection.

Love isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple and as powerful as looking into each other’s eyes. Take a moment this week to do just that. Rekindle, reconnect, and remember the magic of truly seeing the one you love.

Photo by Andriyko Podilnyk on Unsplash