Whether you call it co-creating or working on a group project, the fact is it's all quality time — and it can bring you closer to the ones you care about most. In this article we cover how building things also builds bonds.
Co-working on a home improvement project is a great way to build (and fortify) bonds with those you care about. When you tackle a group project with a romantic partner, family member, or friend, you’re working on essential skills that make us all better — and we’re not just talking about manual skills; we’re talking, like…be a better person stuff.
Here’s why co-creating with your loved ones is such a powerful way to strengthen your relationships.
1. You can be productive together.
You spend a lot of time with your loved ones, especially if you share a home. Let’s be real: it can be easy to get stuck in a Netflix-and-chill rut (like, the non-innuendo kind). It’s great to make time to just “veg out” with those close to us, but trying something new together can be a fun way to remind you of why you’re so fond of one another and build a stronger connection!
Collaborating on a project can also help you both feel energized and productive, making it a great antidote to the winter blues. Absolutely crushing something with a loved one will remind you both that you can accomplish just about anything, and you’ll have something to show for it that will make your house feel more like a home. Every time you look at the items you created together, you’ll be reminded of the wonderful memories you made.
You’ll not only have made memories, but you will have made things. Things that represent your memories. (Recursion intensifies)
If the idea of building a huge piece of furniture or remodeling an entire room feels too daunting, don’t worry! Start slow and simple, then work your way up to bigger projects when you’re feeling more ambitious.
2. Overcoming challenges together strengthens relationships.
When you’re tackling a group project, you might encounter some challenges — and that’s a good thing! Overcoming challenges is beneficial on a personal level, and it can strengthen your relationships as well.
Science says that overcoming a crisis produces oxytocin — a brain chemical that helps us feel connected to other people. While working on a home improvement project may not be a crisis (we stress, may 😬), tackling challenges can still give that oxytocin goodness to everyone involved!
If you’re already close, this kind of collaboration can help you feel even happier and more connected. If you’re in the early stages of a relationship, this is a great way to learn about each other, communicate to solve problems, find humor in challenges, and — ultimately — get closer.
3. You can learn from each other.
Chances are good that your skill set differs from that of your friends and family. Maybe you’re great at painting while your partner excels at woodworking. (Quite complementary skills, wouldn’t you say? 👀) Co-creating provides an opportunity to bond, not only through productivity and happy brain chemicals, but also by teaching each other.
If you’re trying to learn something completely new to both of you, this could also be a great opportunity to strengthen another relationship! Maybe you want to update your kitchen and you have a friend who knows how to create beautiful tile work. This is a great opportunity to invite them in to teach you both some new skills.
4. You don’t have to be an expert.
Many people shy away from trying new things because they’re worried they won’t be good at them — and we totally get that. That said, it’s the anticipation that’s the worst. Once you’re in it, it doesn’t take much to get in the zone. When you’ve completed the task, you and yours will be reminded of your strengths!
Not only that, allow us to remind you that the process of working on something new is what builds strong relationships, not the end result. The vulnerability that comes with trying something completely new together that can actually help to build trust — and deepen your bonds.
Studies over the years have shown that couples who try new activities have higher quality relationships, regardless of how long they’ve been together. While these studies were conducted on couples, this can also be true for friendships or familial relationships. Ultimately, the end result doesn’t matter much when you’re building amazing memories together. What’s more, you might find that your next home improvement project turns into an exciting new shared hobby!
P.S. This is essentially Sparetoolz’s origin story.
We were born in 2016 when Founder, Z, and his dad were working on a project and couldn’t find an affordable tool rental service. Working together to create a beautiful new space in their home brought them closer together — and sparked the idea for a community tool-sharing platform, which now supports other co-creators looking for the tools they need to create beautiful things.
Need some tools for your next collaborative project? We’ve got your back, too.
