Relationship expert shares how she used a 5-minute coffee hack that saved her marriage

Communication is the key to sustaining any relationship, especially marital unions. A relationship expert, Aston Simmonds—who goes by @aston_simmonds on Instagram—has made a video with her husband, Adam Simmonds, where she has shared an interesting hack to keep the spark in a marriage alive. The hack is not anything complicated. It only involves some necessary conversation over a cup of coffee.

Aston shared her simple five-minute coffee hack and claimed that it saved her marriage after she started to think about divorcing her husband about four years ago. In one of her Instagram videos, she shared five meaningful questions that fuel their conversations over a coffee break from time to time. "In just five minutes a day, our coffee check-in ensures we communicate openly, connect and are on the same page with what is happening in our lives," the caption alongside her short video featuring her husband read.

Aston's first question is, "How are you feeling about yourself and our relationship?" per Kidspot. Her response to the same is, "We begin with open communication about how we are both feeling in ourselves and within the relationship." The second question is, "What do you love about our relationship, what is working?" She answers this question in the caption, "The second part of this process is to reflect on recent positive aspects of your partner or positive experiences that have strengthened your connection."

The third question the couple asks themselves is, "What's going on in their minds that isn't working, but they haven't shared about it with their partner yet? The third part of the coffee check-in is to create a safe space for your partner to express concerns, worries or unspoken thoughts. It's essential for both partners to feel comfortable and safe sharing openly." Aston's caption continues as she follows up with the fourth question. "What is important to you this week and how can I support you? What do you need?"

The fourth step is about the couple exploring their personal and shared goals and it helps them to align their vision for the future and stay connected in pursuing their dreams together. "What actions do we need to take after this check-in?" Aston presents her final question. "The last step in the process is all about getting clear on the tangible action steps you need to take and deciding on the best solutions together."

"This is your reminder to check in with your partner. My husband and I do this daily now because it feels so good and we instantly feel more connected. But even once a week will make a positive difference and is better than not at all. I promise if you check in for just five minutes a day, every other area of your life will benefit too," Aston told the outlet over their coffee and conversation routine. According to one of her posts on Facebook, she revealed that she also decided to end her "traditional marriage" to her husband.

"In 2023, we ended our marriage," she wrote on her post alongside a picture of herself and her husband lovingly looking at each other. "My husband and I agreed to end our traditional marriage and it was the best thing we ever did. We didn't get a divorce, but we decided to re-create our relationship and entered into a soul partnership." She remarks that after a point when you've been in a long-term relationship with someone, one might notice subtle hints that their relationship is straining and they are growing apart as spouses.

"We had to say goodbye to our old relationship and let it die. We couldn't hold onto who we once were and what our relationship once was and create something new at the same time. That meant cutting off from the past, releasing any resentment and drawing a line in the sand to reset and recreate our relationship. Sure, it was a little scary, but it was the best thing we have ever done. The depth of understanding, appreciation, connection, communication, intimacy and passion that we now experience is 10 times what it was," she concluded.