20 Communication Games for Couples to Grow Closer

Closeness does not always come from big talks or serious sit-downs. Sometimes it grows in laughter, small pauses, shared curiosity… and a little play.

When words feel heavy or hard to find, playfulness can soften the moment and open space for honesty. Communication can be warm, light, even fun, without losing depth.

What if connecting felt less like “fixing” and more like discovering each other again?

These moments invite listening without pressure, speaking without fear, and learning how your partner thinks, feels, and reacts.

Communication games for couples create that space gently; they turn everyday interactions into chances for empathy, understanding, and emotional safety. Over time, these experiences build trust, closeness, and a sense of “we’re in this together,” one moment at a time.

What are communication games for couples?

Communication games for couples are simple, intentional activities that turn everyday conversations into moments of connection. They create a safe, low-pressure way to talk, listen, laugh, and sometimes say the things that feel hard to bring up otherwise.

Some are playful, others thoughtful; all are meant to slow things down and help you really hear each other. It’s not about winning or “doing it right,” it’s about curiosity, presence, and shared attention.

These games invite honesty without intensity, and closeness without force… just two people choosing to connect, gently.

20 engaging communication games for couples to strengthen their bond

Communication is the heart of any strong relationship, but keeping it engaging and meaningful takes effort. Sometimes, the best way to connect is through play—fun, lighthearted moments that help couples open up, express themselves, and truly listen to each other.

Whether it is sparking deep conversations, improving teamwork, or simply sharing a laugh, these games for couples communication can bring couples closer in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.

1. Twenty questions

This game is an easy way to learn more about your partner without pressure or focusing solely on the difficult aspects.

All you need is a list of twenty questions – of course, those questions can be anything you would like! Why not try some of the following suggestions:

• What’s your favorite of all the dates we’ve been on together?
• When do you feel the most confident?
• What’s your fondest childhood tradition?
• When do you feel most loved and appreciated by me?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What would you like to do that you’ve never told anyone before?
• When have you felt proud of yourself?

Asking questions gives you insight into your partner’s thoughts, beliefs, dreams, and values. Then, when the time comes to swap, they’ll get to learn more about you, too.

Try playing this communication game for couples during your free time, such as evenings or weekends, or even in the car. It can make a real impact on your communication levels. It can make a real impact on your communication levels.

• What to be mindful of

Avoid rushing through answers or turning this into an interrogation. Listen without correcting, teasing, or judging, and allow your partner’s responses to unfold naturally, even if they surprise you.

2. Minefield

A combination of physical and verbal games is ideal if you want to work on improving communication in your marriage. Minefield is a game where one of the partners is blindfolded and guided verbally through the room by the other. 

The goal of the game is to guide the blindfolded partner safely across the room by using verbal cues to avoid the obstacles, also known as mines, that you have set ahead. This fun communication game for couples requires you to trust each other and be precise when instructing to achieve the goal.

• What to be mindful of

Be patient and calm with instructions. Frustration, raised voices, or vague directions can break trust quickly and defeat the purpose of practicing clear, supportive communication.

3. Helping hand

How to fix communication issues in a relationship?

There are fun communication exercises for couples that help you improve your skills. One of the games to help couples communicate is “Helping Hand,” which seems rather easy, but this game for married couples can be quite frustrating. 

The goal is to accomplish an everyday activity, such as buttoning a shirt or tying a shoe, while each has a hand tied behind their back. It provides an opportunity to build effective teamwork and facilitate information exchange through seemingly simple tasks.

• What to be mindful of

Notice emotional reactions, such as irritation or competitiveness. The goal is cooperation, not efficiency, so pause if either of you feels criticized or overwhelmed during the task.

4. Guess the emotion

A significant part of our communication occurs non-verbally; consider incorporating some relationship communication games to help you improve this aspect. To play the Guess the emotion game, you both need to write emotions and place them in a box.

One participant is to act out the emotion they draw from a box without using any words, while the other participant guesses what it is. If you want to make it competitive, you can each get points for when you guess right.

• What to be mindful of

Remember that people express emotions differently. If your partner guesses incorrectly, avoid mocking or correcting harshly; instead, discuss how emotions can look different for each person.

5. Two truths and a lie

Looking for communication games for couples to help you get to know your partner better?

To play Two Truths and a Lie, your partner and you will take turns sharing one false and two true things about you. The other needs to guess which is a lie. Communication games are a great opportunity to learn more about each other.

• What to be mindful of

Keep the tone light and respectful. Avoid sensitive topics or past conflicts that could trigger defensiveness, especially if honesty feels vulnerable for one of you.

6. Answer the famous 36 questions

Perhaps you want a couple’s question game?

The famous 36 questions were developed in a study examining the formation of intimacy. 

Communication is a key component, as we grow fond of each other when we share our thoughts and feelings with one another. As you move through the questions, they become more personal and profound. Take turns answering them and observe how your understanding grows with each one.

• What to be mindful of

Move at a pace that feels emotionally safe. If a question feels too intense, it’s okay to pause, skip it, or revisit it later together.

7. The game of truth

If you need simple yet effective communication games for couples online, try the Game of Truth.

All you need to do is ask your partner questions and answer their questions honestly. You can explore the game’s topics, ranging from light (such as favorite movies, books, and childhood crushes) to more serious (such as fears, hopes, and dreams). Some questions to consider: 

• • What’s your biggest fear?
  • If you had a magic wand, what would you use it for?
  • What is your favorite childhood memory? 
  • What book had a transformational power for you?
  • What would you improve in our communication?

• What to be mindful of

Honesty should not be used as a weapon. Share thoughtfully, and receive answers with compassion, especially when they touch on fears, insecurities, or unmet needs.

8. The 7 breath-forehead connection 

Communication games for couples can help you become more in sync with your partner and better understand non-verbal cues. 

To play this game, you need to lie down next to each other and gently put your foreheads together. While you look into each other’s eyes, stay in this position for at least 7 breaths or more. This game increases a sense of connection and non-verbal understanding.

• What to be mindful of

This exercise can feel intimate or uncomfortable at first. Respect personal boundaries and stop if either partner feels anxious, distracted, or emotionally overstimulated.

9. This or that

If you need communication games to get to know your partner better, especially early in the relationship, consider this fun game. Simply ask for their preference between two choices. Don’t forget to ask why they chose that particular thing. Some questions to get you started: 

• TV or books?
• Indoors or outdoors?
• Save or spend? 
• Lust or love?
• Forgotten Or Remembered For All The Wrong Reasons?
• How well do you know me?

Some communication games meant for parties can be adapted for the two of you. To play this game, you need to think of different categories and questions (for example, favorite movie, best vacation, favorite color). Both partners will answer the questions for themselves (write on one piece of paper) and their loved ones (use a different piece). 

The answers are compared in the end to see what the correct answers are about the other person you had. To make it more fun, have a wager on who will guess more, and household chores can be the currency.

• What to be mindful of

Avoid dismissing your partner’s preferences as silly or insignificant. The value lies in curiosity and understanding their reasoning, not agreeing with every choice.

10. Seeing eye to eye

This is a fun, silly game for married couples that nevertheless tells you how to fix communication issues in a relationship and listen to each other attentively.

For this game, you will need either paper and pens or pencils, building blocks such as LEGO, or crafty putty like Playdough.

First, sit back to back, leaning on each other or placing two chairs back to back. Decide who is going to make something first. That person uses the craft materials to make or draw anything they like. It could be a piece of fruit, an animal, a household object, or even something abstract. Anything goes. 

When the maker has finished with their creation, they describe it carefully to the other person. Go into as much detail about color, shape, and texture as you can, but don’t tell your partner what you are describing. 

So it’s okay to say an apple is “round, green, sweet, crunchy, and you can eat it,” but you can’t say it is an apple!

The partner who listens uses their craft materials to recreate what is being described as accurately as possible. Sometimes you’ll get it just right, and other times you’ll both be laughing at how far from the mark you are, but either way, you’ll be practicing to listen to each other.

• What to be mindful of

Focus on listening rather than trying to prove a point. Misinterpretations are part of the process, so treat mistakes as learning moments, not communication failures.

11. High-low of the day

How to fix communication in a relationship?

Help couples learn to listen more intently and speak without judging. Communication activities for married couples can help you fulfill this. One of the marriage communication games you can try is the High-Low. 

Join together at the end of the day for 30 minutes and share the highs and lows of your day. When practiced regularly, it encourages fixing communication in a relationship and understanding each other more.

• What to be mindful of

Resist the urge to fix problems immediately. Sometimes your partner needs empathy more than solutions, especially when sharing low or emotionally draining moments.

12. Uninterrupted listening 

One of the greatest communication games to play with your spouse is to listen without words.

Set a timer for 5 minutes and have one partner share on any subject they would like. When the timer goes off, switch roles and have the other partner share for 5 minutes without interruption. 

Effective communication games, such as this one, promote verbal and nonverbal communication equally.

• What to be mindful of

Silence can feel uncomfortable. Stay present without planning your response, offering advice, or interrupting, even when you strongly disagree with what’s being shared.

13. Eye see you

Silence can sometimes say more than words ever could. The best communication games for married couples, therefore, aim to include silence too. If you are looking for fun communication games for couples and are not much of a talker, try this one.

Instructions say to silently gaze into each other’s eyes for 3-5 minutes. Find a comfortable seat, and try not to break the silence. When the time passes, reflect together on what you experienced.

• What to be mindful of

Strong emotions may surface during prolonged eye contact. Breathe steadily, soften your gaze, and remember that discomfort often signals emotional awareness, not danger.

14. Uncommon questions

To have your relationship and communication succeed, you need consistency. Whether it’s honesty hour once a week or daily check-ins, what matters is keeping your communication and intimacy improving. 

One game that can be customized further is “Uncommon Questions.” By the end of the day, you often feel exhausted from having a meaningful conversation, but you can capture the questions you had for your partner and have uninterrupted time to go through them together.

You can search for inspiration online when you lack ideas, but the purpose of this game is to help you continuously build your communication and interest in each other.

• What to be mindful of

Consistency matters more than depth. Avoid turning this into a forced ritual; let curiosity guide the conversation rather than pressure to be profound every time.

15. The “three thank you” activity

This is the easiest communication game of all, and one of the most effective. All you need is each other and ten minutes together every day.

This game works best if you make it a habit, so try to find the time in your routine where you can fit it in reliably each day. Generally, it works well towards the end of the day – perhaps you could do it just after supper, or just before bed.

Although it only takes ten minutes, it’s worth making those ten minutes as special as possible. Brew some coffee or a fruit infusion, or pour a glass of wine for each of you. Sit somewhere comfortable that you won’t be interrupted.

Now, look back over your day and think of three things your partner did that you appreciated. 

Perhaps they made you laugh when you were down or did a chore that you hate. Perhaps you appreciate how they make time to help your child with their science project or how they remember to pick up your favorite treat at the grocery store. 

Think of three things and share them with your partner, then remember to say “thank you.”

If you want to, you can write your three things down before reading them, and then your partner can keep them after. Grab a box or a mason jar each, and before long, you will each have a beautiful collection of messages from the other.

• What to be mindful of

Keep appreciation specific and sincere. Avoid using this moment to sneak in criticism or comparisons, as that can dilute emotional safety and trust.

16. Active listening game 

This is one of the key games to practice if you are trying to find an answer to how to fix communication issues. Active listening is not easy to master, yet it is worth the effort.

Try to focus so that when one is talking, the other is listening, intending to understand the speaker’s perspective and how it is to be in their shoes.

Then the listening partner shares insights and reflects on what they heard. The speaking partner can clarify if they feel the listening partner missed or misunderstood some information they shared. Take turns and practice this to move towards real understanding.

• What to be mindful of

Reflect back what you hear instead of defending yourself. If misunderstandings arise, treat them as opportunities to clarify rather than proof of poor communication.

17. Always – never game

Many couples, when fighting, use the “eternity language,” which only fuels the arguments. No one does something always or never. Hence, the fighting can increase when people are placed in those categories. Fun communication games can help you delete these words from your vocabulary.

Being one of the games for married couples, you can agree to take it a step further and have the person who uses eternity language perform a task, such as washing the dishes, refilling the car, or putting money in a jar.

• What to be mindful of

This game works best with a sense of humor and a humble approach. Avoid shaming or punishment that feels harsh, and focus on reducing blame-based language together.

18. I Feel (Blank)

Couples communication games help you to improve your understanding of one another. To play this game, simply start your sentences using “I feel” and share what is in your heart.

Feeling vulnerable is not easy, and we often shield ourselves from it. This game can help you communicate your feelings with each other.

What do you see? 

Communication games to play with your spouse help you improve how you convey information and comprehend your partner. To play this game, you will need a pen and paper, Play-Doh, or LEGO. Sit back-to-back and have one partner create or draw something.

Then, have them explain what they see and have the other recreate it solely on verbal input. Discuss the results and what information could have made this communication process more effective.

• What to be mindful of

Stick to feelings, not accusations. “I feel unheard” is more constructive than “you never listen,” and helps keep the conversation emotionally safe.

19. Fireside chats

This is a vеrbаl communication еxеrсіѕе, where couples need to ѕсhеdulе а “fіrеѕіdе сhаt” wіth еасh оthеr оnсе every wееk for а duration of 15 tо 30 mіnutеs.

This is one of the popular games that can help you and your partner open up about any bottled-up issues in your marriage.

This exercise is designed to teach you and your partner to use respectful language when discussing different issues in a calm and considerate manner. There should be no distractions at all, and the couple is only supposed to focus on each other.

The content explored in such chats depends on the severity of your issues, allowing you to delve into more in-depth topics or discuss surface-level issues.

If there are serious issues to be discussed, you can start with lighter and safer topics, such as entertainment and global events, before addressing any more contentious ones.

• What to be mindful of

Timing and emotional readiness matter. Avoid starting heavy discussions when either partner is exhausted, distracted, or already emotionally charged.

20. Sound tennis

For this game, you and your partner need to аgrее оn аn іnіtіаl ѕоund оr alphabet, ѕау ‘M’. Thеn both of you will tаkе turnѕ bасk and fоrth, еасh ѕауіng а nеw wоrd thаt bеgіnѕ wіth thаt ѕоund.

This continues untіl thе rоund соmеѕ tо а fіnіѕh whеn you or your partner can’t thіnk оf а nеw wоrd bеgіnnіng wіth thе chosen ѕоund or alphabet. Thе’ wіnnеr’ gets tо сhооѕе thе nеw ѕоund for thе nеxt rоund.

Always remember- bad communication in marriage can create a sense of dissatisfaction, distrust, confusion, restlessness, and fear between couples. Communication in marriage is something every couple needs to work on.

• What to be mindful of

Keep it playful, not competitive. If one partner freezes or struggles, laugh together and reset rather than turning it into a performance test.

Watch this TED Talk on how understanding different communication “dots” can remove a major threat to relationships, as Amy Scott shows how energizing, engaging tools strengthen connection:

Closing reflections on connection

At the end of the day, connection doesn’t have to feel heavy or complicated. Sometimes, it starts with laughter, a little honesty, and the willingness to listen… really listen. These moments of play open doors to conversations you may not have known how to start before.

There’s no “perfect” way to communicate, only a growing one; messy, warm, and real. Try what feels right, pause when needed, and come back again. Communication games for couples aren’t about winning or fixing everything; they’re about choosing closeness, again and again, even on the quiet days.

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References

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19485506241312876https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322722211_The_Power_of_Listening_Lending_an_Ear_to_the_Partner_During_Dyadic_Coping_Conversationshttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1066480720956638

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Dylan Banks Author

Dylan Banks is a prolific writer, known for his sharp and insightful commentary on relationships, love, and human connection. With his extensive experience and infectious passion for all things love-related, he has become a leading... Read more expert in the field of relationship advice. Dylan is a true romantic at heart, with a deep passion for helping others find love and build meaningful connections. When he’s not writing about love and relationships, Dylan can be found exploring the great outdoors or indulging in his other passion: music. As an accomplished musician and songwriter, he believes that music has the power to connect people in profound ways. Read less