Got this idea yesterday after seeing so many couples stuck scrolling through phones in bed. Thought hey, why not try some actual connection stuff with my partner? Grabbed my notebook this morning at seven. Decided to test simple things that require zero prep.

The Warm-Up Phase
First, put our goddamn phones on airplane mode. I mean it – chucked ‘em face down on the floor. The room got quiet real fast. Started with lazy spooning, just matching our breathing. His back against my chest, rising and falling. Felt kinda awkward for two minutes ngl. Then slowly relaxed into it.
The Actual Experiments
Rolled over face-to-face and just held eye contact. No talking allowed for 90 seconds. Sounds easy? Try it. Felt like eternity. We blinked like idiots then cracked up simultaneously. Instant tension breaker.
Next up:
- Did “thank you swaps” – whispered one tiny thing we appreciated about each other that day. I said “thanks for washing my coffee mug”
- Massage trade – one minute shoulder rubs each. Mine sucked cause I forgot lotion
- Shared a dumb childhood memory. His involved eating mud pies
Surprise Hit
Made pillow forts with sheets. Seriously. Draped blankets over our heads like kids. Whispered secrets in that dark little cave – work stress, weird cravings. Felt safer somehow with fabric walls.
Tried synchronized breathing again post-fort. Way easier. His exhale warmed my forehead. Counted eight breaths together before the cat ruined it by pouncing.

Final Verdict
Shockingly, the dumber it felt, the better it worked. No grand romance novel moments. Just:
- Less overthinking
- Less “are we doing this right?” pressure
- More accidental giggling
Forgot my fancy notebook halfway through. Didn’t even matter. Pro tip: drop the performance. Messy hair and morning breath included.