I have recently heard from a very trusted advisor that hugging someone for 30 seconds brings you and that person so much closer together, releases stress, and builds trust. No matter how close you are to someone, we all have thoughts and ideas and fears that trouble us that we simply do not share. Not because we don't want too, but because the environment may not be safe.
Strong and healthy relationships are very close units that are built on honestly, love and support. But as our daily lives get so busy, we often get tunnel vision and get lost in the daily routine of life. This is when it becomes so very important to simply pause, check in and get a pulse on your partner to see how things are going. It doesn't have to be a big moment but the probing questions like "are you ok babe?", or "how is work going", or "do you have any big projects coming up soon?", or "how do you feel about where we are?". Be prepared for them to say ok to them all, but keep it up and you will be surprised what you learn. But when you notice a change in behavior, not asking these questions would send a message of disinterest. Be very careful. If and when they open up, your reaction will be magnified by 100 so strive to listen, be supportive and understanding. Remember laughter will lighten any mood and keep in mind it is conversation, not a lecture, sermon or speech.
Far too often we hear of people who just hit a breaking point. They have built up so much stress that they either flee the relationship, take their life, or just become a different person when it could have all been avoided but simply having an outlet to vent. On the flip side, their concerns may have nothing to do with you at all, but just the fact that you took the time out to ask the question will make that unit so much stronger. Here is an example that can be applied in the workplace. Most organizations have scheduled feedback moments, usually called performance appraisals. This is an opportunity to give feedback, share stories, celebrate accomplishments, and make suggestions in a safe and controlled environment. This is almost identical in your relationship.
I had a conversation yesterday with a friend who said it feels like she and her husband are only parents and no longer lovers because they never talk about each other and their relationship. I made this recommendation, they did it last night and so much progress came from a five minute safe conversation. No one likes difficult conversations, especially the ones you have no idea where it could go. But avoiding it can be catastrophic.