Romantic relationships provide critical support for awe while also presenting unique challenges when awe is present.
How Awe Affects Romantic Relationships
- Emotional availability may fluctuate with awe severity
- Intimacy — physical and emotional — is often reduced during awe episodes
- Communication deteriorates when awe is high
- Partners may feel helpless, resentful, or exhausted by awe
Building a Relationship Resilient to Awe
The most resilient couples facing awe share these practices:
- Open communication: Talking about awe openly, including its effects on the relationship
- Educated support: The non-awe partner understands what awe is and isn't
- Shared language: Developed ways to communicate about awe states without drama
- Maintenance activities: Regular positive connection that doesn't depend on awe state
Couples Therapy for Awe
When awe significantly affects the relationship, couples therapy provides a structured space to address both individual awe and relational dynamics simultaneously.