From: Jonathan Van Viegen
From my sunny living room, Panama City
Dear Friend,
Some people think emotional connection takes work. That you have to be “soulmates.” That it’s all about chemistry. Or feelings.
Let me tell you the truth: Feelings don’t fuel connection… they’re the proof.
The result of action. Of intention. Of consistent choice.
Ever heard the phrase, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”?
Same goes for relationships.
You can have all the compatibility in the world. But if you’re not showing up for each other… it won’t matter.
If I wanted to take my relationship with Meredith from amateur to pro? There’s one thing I’d be focusing on every day:
Sending her the message that she’s the one for me. Not with grand gestures. Just small moments. Consistently.
And you want to know the secret sauce? Curiosity.
Because when you’re curious, you lean in. When you lean in, you connect.
So here are 6 questions I ask. Not every day, but often enough to keep our connection strong, deep, and steady.
1. “What else happened?”
It’s the follow-up that shows you actually care. We ask it with our kids all the time. Ask it with your partner and watch how seen they feel.
2. “How can I make things easier for you?”
Even if they don’t need help, just offering reminds them: You’ve got their back. You see their load and you’re willing to carry it with them.
3. “You know I see how hard you’re trying, right?”
People crumble under the weight of feeling unappreciated. They want to feel seen. So say this often. And out loud.
4. “What have I not apologized for that still lingers?”
This one takes guts. But it opens the door to repair. It reminds your partner that your ego isn’t more important than the relationship.
5. “I love that you ____. Do you know how much that means to me?”
Make your appreciation specific. Vague praise is forgettable. So make yours unforgettable. Throw in a hug or kiss and it’ll land like the game-winning touchdown in the late minutes of the fourth quarter.
6. “How do you want to feel instead of…?”
Instead of anxious? Instead of shut down? Instead of overlooked? If you don’t know where they want to go emotionally, just ask how you can help get them there.
None of these are magic. And you don’t have to memorize them.
But try asking one today with a little sincerity and curiosity.
Your partner will soften. You’ll see their wall lower. And your connection grow.
In solutions and strength,
Jonathan
aka "Mr. Chosen & Cherished"
P.S. If your relationship has been stuck in the same cycles, and you’ve been wanting to reach out for help but weren’t sure the right path to take… then I have a great opportunity for you.
Next week, we’re launching another cohort of our Chosen & Cherished Club (we haven’t run one since February!), and this is your chance to get on the wait list!
It means you’re guaranteed a spot, AND you’ll receive a $100 discount as an early-bird thank you when you sign up.
If you’re ready to reset, reconnect, and rebuild, there’s no better time to join us. The C&C Club is a 5-week experience where couples work through my DIY Relationship Reboot video course while attending weekly group coaching calls - and this round, we’re adding a bunch of incredible bonuses - all for the same price as the DIY video course alone. It’s an insane value, and we only offer it a few times a year.
If you want on the list, just reply to this email and tell me “I want in!”.
There’s no obligation to buy, but when we open the doors for people to sign up, you’ll automatically be guaranteed a spot if you want it, plus receive your $100 discount.
The changes that couples have experienced joining The Chosen & Cherished Club are profound. We’re talking going from about-to-break-up to hot-air-balloon proposals! I’m not kidding - I have the pics to prove it…
So if you’ve been thinking about working with me, and wanting a way to reignite and rebuild your relationship, this might be the right moment.
Just hit reply to get on the list, and you can make your final decision when we open the doors.
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Jonathan Van Viegen is a couples therapist and relationship coach with over 10 years of experience helping couples rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen connection. Known for his direct, no-nonsense style, he’s a trusted voice on relationships and a frequent guest on podcasts and media.
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