LovePong is an interesting application that supports couples in relationship. Promoted as a game for couples, it’s a highly interactive website in which two partners sign up to play. The free version
provides communication challenges. For example, the first partner might get an assignment such as, “Acknowledge your partner for something you haven’t acknowledged him or her in a while” or “Communicate a pet peeve you have with your partner.”
LovePong then guides you to respond in ways that are powerful, responsible and loving. For example, communicating a pet peeve is a type of complaint. LovePong will guide you to communicate specifically – e.g., how often does this happen and how big a deal is this for you? Further, it will ask whether there’s something from your own past that exacerbates this upset. For example, suppose your pet peeve is your partner leaving dishes in the sink. Further suppose that growing up, if someone left dishes in the sink you mother would throw a tantrum. So, “dishes in the sink” is a trigger that your mother is going to suddenly appear and start raving. No wonder it upsets you! So LovePong challenges you to own your part in the degree of the upset.
Continuing with this example, if you have an upset, to be responsible, you should have a request. It might be, “There’s nothing you need to do; I just really want you to hear me on this.” Or it might be, “Please clean your dishes within 10-20 minutes of putting them in the sink.”
LovePong offers guidance for couples. For example, there’s a pop-up you can access that provides advice on what constitutes a powerful request.
Finally, the system will prompt you to close your communication with a loving statement, such as, “Thank you for being the kind of partner with whom I feel safe in complaining. I love you very much!”
The company claims that the majority of users have reported that LovePong helps in their communication and deepens intimacy in relationships.
The premium version, available for $9.00 a month, includes a powerful 30-week course designed by founder William Weil, author of New Earth Relationships: A Guide for Couples in the 21st Century and his partner, JoAnn Brickley, an energy healer and owner of Hydration Health and Fitness.
In March 2014, the company will launch an app version, which will be available on iPhones and Android devices.
Check it out, and let me know what you think!