Felipe Foo45588

You take care of the kids, your job, spend time as a family, but what do you do to take care of your relationship? All too often, couples spend most of their energy on everything BUT each other. Unfortunately, all these distractions can take a toll on the partnership and a type of disconnection results. It is essential for you to make time for one another. Whether it be a few minutes a day to a week alone (without the children!), clearing your schedules to reconnect helps improve your relationship, reduces your stress and keeps your life in balance.

What Can We Do?

There are many activities you can plan together that range from free to very expensive. Money doesn't necessarily need to determine the activity. Remember, it's how you spend your time together not how much money you spend. The key is connecting without distractions, so turn off the T.V., send the kids to their friend's house or to their grandparents (what grandparent doesn't want to have extra time with their grandchildren?!) and allow your relationship to be a priority.

Free Ideas

*Take a walk around your neighborhood. This is a great way to relax, talk and do something outdoors with one another.
*Play a board game. Customize the rules to make the game more fun for the two of you.
*Cook dinner together. Cooking can be a great way to interact. Share a favorite recipe. Take out your best dishes and a couple of candles. Relish in your meal by candlelight.

Inexpensive Ideas

*Pack a picnic basket and go to the park or the beach. Spend a few hours watching the sunset or peoplewatch.
*If you have bicycles or skates or some other activity that has been moved to the wayside, break it out, dust it off and get going.
*Spend time completing a house project. Some couples find it fun to repaint a room, change door handles or work on the garden.
*Go to a museum or another cultural event.

Moderately Priced Ideas

*Go out for a nice dinner. Choose a favorite restaurant that isn't too noisy so that you can share quality time without being distracted.
*Take a dance class together. This can be fun and dance lessons usually run anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. Committing to such a class will provide a consistent, weekly time that is automatically reserved for the two of you.
*Take a massage class together. Again, weekly time is reserved and you can become physically and emotionally connected.

More Expensive Ideas

*Get away for the weekend for the two of you. Even a mini-vacation can provide the two of you a chance to reconnect without the pressures of everyday life.
*Plan a once-in-lifetime-adventure for the day. Some areas in California provide for hot-air balloon rides, wine tastings, and boat rides around the harbor. Let the sense of adventure overtake you!

And the Grand Finale

Take a week-long vacation together. Consider it your 2nd or 3rd honeymoon!

It's time to take care of yourself and your relationship. You will be happier, your children will be happier and, most importantly, will provide balance within your relationship.

2007, Jodi Blackley, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Fullerton, California
http://www.jodiblackley.com

posted by felipefoo60930 @ 2:16 PM