Love Exercise Number 2.

We all know, and believe that communication is the key to a good relationship, but how much do we really talk to our loved ones? Not just our spouses or significant others, but to our kids, our parents, our friends? This next love exercise can be adapted to any close relationship. It's simple in structure, but that doesn't mean it's always going to be easy to do. Like exercise 1, it works better the more often you do it, and it's best to begin doing it regularly, so you stay in the habit.

All you have to do is sit together, facing each other. Each partner takes a turn talking for five minutes about whatever comes to mind, while the other listens and says nothing. The listening partner may nod or give other indications that they are listening to what is being said, and should maintain eye contact as much as possible while their partner is speaking. Don't think about what you're going to say, just listen. Then take your turn.

For the quieter partner, five minutes can be a very long time to speak, and for the more outgoing one, five minutes can be a very long time to listen. So it's a good idea to have a clock around.

Of course there will be times when the "speaking" partner may be silent. That's ok. Let the clock run out. They may have more to say! Or there may be times when the speaker wants/needs to keep talking. I'd recommend as much as possible, to stop anyway, let the other partner share, then if needed continue with a conversation once the exercise is done. Remember, this exercise is not just about talking, it's about hearing each other. It's about being listened to, and listening, with both ears, to what is on your partner's mind.