Game 1. Bowl Full of Questions
A strong relationship starts with knowing your partner’s inner world—who they are, what they love, and what they dream about. This game, Bowl Full of Questions, is based on Gottman’s first level of the Sound Relationship house: Build Love Maps.
How to Play:
Each write four of open-ended questions on a slip of paper (e.g., What’s something new you’ve been thinking about lately?, What’s one of your happiest childhood memories?). Place them in a bowl and take turns answering.
This love game fosters curiosity, emotional intimacy, and meaningful conversations.
Game 2. Appreciation Ping-Pong
This simple game is based on Level 2 of the Sound Relationship House: Share Fondness and Appreciation. Expressing positivity regularly keeps a relationship strong. Appreciation Ping-Pong is based is a back-and-forth game that makes sharing fondness fun and spontaneous.
How to Play:
Sit facing each other. One person starts by expressing something they appreciate about the other (e.g., I love your smile). The other person responds with their own appreciation. Keep going until you run out of things to say! The goal is to create a positive, uplifting exchange that reinforces gratitude and affection.
Game 3. Love Language Mystery Game
Turning toward your partner’s bids for connection is essential for a strong bond. (Level 3 of Gottman’s House is Turn Toward). This game encourages partners to express love in meaningful ways while sharpening their awareness of each other’s actions.
How to Play:
Within the next 24 hours, each partner must express love using their partner’s primary love language (words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch). The catch? Don’t tell them what it is! The receiving partner tries to “catch” the moment by noticing when it happens. At the end of the day, share your guesses and discuss how those actions made you feel.
Enjoy 🙂
Game 4. If You Love Me, Honey, You’ll Smile
The fourth Level is: positive perspective, which means assuming the best about your partner, even in small moments. This playful game lightens the mood and builds an atmosphere of humor and warmth.
How to Play:
One partner says, If you love me, honey, you’ll smile while trying to keep a straight face. The other partner must respond, I love you, but I just can’t smile—without cracking up. If they smile or laugh, they lose the round. Switch roles and see how long you can resist. This game fosters playfulness and reminds you to enjoy each other’s company.
5. Two Truths and a Lie—Deep Down Edition
Shared meaning is the attic of the Sound Relationship House and this level is about creating a life together with shared values, dreams, and purpose. This version of Two Truths and a Lie helps partners explore deeper desires and longings.
How to Play:
Each partner writes three sentences that all start with Deep down, I truly want to… Two should be true, and one should be a lie. The other partner must guess which one is false. For example:
- Deep down, I truly want to move to hike the Appalachian Trail.
- Deep down, I truly want to travel to South America together.
- Deep down, I truly want to open a bed and breakfast with you.
After guessing, discuss the deeper meaning behind the statements. This game encourages open conversation about dreams and helps create a stronger sense of shared purpose.
Make Sure to Have Fun with These Love Games
Interactional games release the hormone oxytocin. They provide a fun way to deepen intimacy, increase appreciation, and reinforce trust. If at any point the games are not fun, try them again later when you’re both in a different kind of mood!
Try incorporating them into your monthly routine and watch your relationship grow!