Risk is, of course, always present, even at the extreme of an asteroid hitting the earth.  In more common (often perceived) risks, couples will often take a moment to express and/or celebrate their connection together.

Risk in everyday life

• Before getting into a car
• Before an airplane takes off (more than 1 in a million, but a nice time together )
• Before a bike ride on a road where there are cars
• Before a natural disaster like a tornado or hurricane
• Before a medical procedure
• When one gets a serious illness, like the flu
• Before engaging in a risky sport, like skiing

Variations

• Hold hands for a minute while looking in one another’s eyes
• Briefly squeezing one another’s hands
• Taking a big breath together while looking in one another’s eyes
• Saying I love you while looking in one another’s eyes
• A long hug, of at least a minute
• See “Whispering to the heart” couple ritual

Principal Purposes Served

• Create stable touchstones
• Emotional money in the bank
• Foster nurturing, affectionate, loving contact