Page 23 of 500 First Editions (The Romantics #3)

THE FIVE SENSES

A lot of people think I’m a master manipulator.

I’m not.

What’s our favorite word? That’s right. Intentional .

Yeah. Falling in love takes effort. Really, no one “falls” into love. It doesn’t just happen to you. You have to leap into it. Run toward it. No one ever gets across the finish line by waiting around at the start.

Get going.

This week, we’re going to focus on the five senses. It’s a great framework to use to structure your time together and deepen your connection.

Taste: Try something new together or spend an evening cooking with your partner or for your partner.

Touch: You thought I was going to say sex, didn’t you? Nope. Make your partner feel safe and calm. It’s impossible to build trust and connection when your partner is wearing stress like a coat. Help them relax in a way that doesn’t require arousal or reciprocity.

Sight: Do something for your partner that they can see. Pick up the shoes at the door. Do the dishes and wipe down the sink. Wash their car and clean it out. If you need more ideas, check out the free resources in the BetterYou program.

Sound: Tell your partner something you like or admire about them. Tell them what they mean to you. Tell them something that drew you to them.

Smell: Make them associate your cologne or perfume with comfort.

Olfactory memories are the most underrated.

Clean up and make good memories. This is also a friendly reminder that hygiene matters.

Not only for your partner but for yourself.

If you need some tried-and-true recommendations on fragrances for all budgets, head to my website and click on the recommendations tab.

Have you spotted a pattern yet? The first four weeks of The Ford Method are all about building trust. Show your partner that you’ll be present for them—physically and emotionally.

People can’t be emotionally available until they feel safe, and you can’t have a solid relationship without emotional availability from all parties.

You’re laying the groundwork for future intimacy that will last a lifetime.

Take your time and be intentional. (See? I said it again.)

These weekly challenges shouldn’t be a chore. If it’s starting to feel like one, slow down. Take time to reflect on whether or not your partner is right for you, if you are right for your partner, or if a relationship is right for you.

There’s no shame in tapping the brakes and focusing on yourself. The more you continue to grow as a person, the better partner you will become.

Need more guidance? Schedule a coaching call with Ryan Ford or visit The Ford Method website for a list of vetted professionals who are ready to help you become the best version of yourself for your partner and for you.