lack ingenuity and struggle to get along with their peers.  Creative play teaches us how to interact with others in ways that stretch our abilities.  This is true for adults as well as children.  I am not sure why the idea that playing is just for kids became so popular.  Companies like Google build play into their workday and supply gaming activities in specific areas.  

When I met my husband my favorite thing to do was to go out and sing at Karaoke clubs.  He happily went with me when we were dating, and even into the first year or so of our marriage.  But the truth is that it was boring for him so eventually he quit going.  So now we go out dancing to bands that we both like. 

Finding something that unites you, that you both like is of course the optimal choice.  But what if you are really so different that you can’t find things you both like? That’s when we are forced to compromise.  We stretch to do those activities that are not our favorite, simply because our partner loves them. 

I am not a big fan of shoot’em up action movies, nor farces.  My husband is not a big fan of lightweight girlie movies.  So we go to both.  I get him to go to Karaoke with me every now and again, and I go along to the air shows with him.  I like seeing him smile.  He likes seeing me smile. 

Last year I discovered something called InterPlay. It’s a form of creative play that uses storytelling, movement and sound to stretch our creative genius.  For me, being a counselor who dealt with a lot of heavy, intense issues on a daily basis it was a really important release.  My husband doesn’t get it, but that’s okay. I get him to come now and again, and do some of the forms with him at home.  But many couples do InterPlay together and find it a wonderful source of play, connection and discovery. They tell me they find out things about each other through InterPlay that they might never have found out any other way.

Play can be something simple like playing a game of cards together, or a board game.  It may be even finding a Wii that you both like to do together or Guitar Hero.  Whatever it is that you do together, the important thing is that you understand the serious importance of playing together.  Playing together builds bonds, deepens connection and creates an atmosphere of joy in your relationship.  You can’t put a price on that or take it too seriously.

Read more great articles from Melody Brooke. 

Featured Author, Melody Brooke, MA, LPC, LMFT is the author of "Cycles of the Heart: A way out of the egocentrism of everyday life", speaker, workshop presenter and counselor. She is also a Certified Radix Practitioner, Right Use of Power Teacher and InterPlay Teacher. Melody’s 19 years work with individuals, couples and families has provided her with a unique approach to solving clients’ problems. 

To find out more about InterPlay and "Cycles of the Heart" go to www.melodybrooke.com.

Page: 1 2