Making Time for Your Marriage: Couple Time

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

13 Apr 2006 05:11 AM

Happily ever after is not a destination. It's a journey, a work in progress. It requires consistent effort on the part of both spouses to keep the marriage fulfilling. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to put your marriage first, at least some of the time. Yes, that means putting your marriage ahead of the demands of work, home, and even your children at times.

Don't misunderstand. I already sense people saying, "But the children must come first!" I agree with this as an overall premise, but our marriages deserve and they require top billing, at least occasionally. This is not to say that we should ignore or neglect our children, it just means that we have to take time out from our routines to make time for our marriages. Our spouses need to be taken care of and pampered sometimes too, and we need the same thing from them once in a while.

Most children can manage just fine without Mom and Dad for one day or one evening. They can participate in an activity, a play date, or spend the day or the night with Grandma or another relative. In fact, most children tend to enjoy an occasional change of scenery as much as parents do.

Believe it or not, setting aside some couple time is good for your children in other ways too. A happy marriage sets the stage for a happy family as a whole. When children see their parents as committed to the marriage and to each other and sense the love between man and wife, they look for that type of relationship in their own futures. The opposite is also true.

Another important aspect of carving some couple time from busy schedules is the chance to show your spouse how important he or she is to you. Make him or her feel like the most special person in the world, your best friend, your partner, your lover, during your time together. Don't talk about work, home, kids, bills, or any of life's other demands during your special time. Try to schedule separate time for these discussions.

Plan a date and do something the two of you have always wanted to do, or just go for a walk. It's more about taking time for each other and for your marriage than it is about what you do during that time.

Sadly enough, many couples quickly become overwhelmed by the daily grind and lose sight of what brought them together. Making sure you squeeze in some couple time will help you remember and renew those feelings and keep your love alive. Remember, happily ever after is possible, if you're willing to work at it.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Annie Hathaway (75) 03 Nov 2008 06:28 PM

This is funny and strange. I just told my husband tonight that I feel single. He is working long crazy hours and I am a retail manager. That should say it all. He said last month that we were going to have Date Night. Well it hasn't happened yet... How do you plan something when hours are crazy?? I miss him so much, we communicate through text messaging and cell phone calls. This sucks, and I need a plan. Have any suggestions?

InstallmentLoan (10) 25 Nov 2008 03:41 AM

If marriage counseling or payday installment loans can help a couple's budget and there marriage, they should really consider getting onboard immediately. Financial issues are one of the leading causes of marital conflict. Sadly, the divorce rate is over fifty percent, and a huge reason of divorce happens to be disagreement over money. Many newlyweds rush to the altar, thinking that marriage is a piece of cake with no sour after taste. Although marriage has its rewards, it will probably be the hardest thing you'll ever do, especially when it comes to finances. I have also experienced marriage money issues. My husband and I think conversely when it comes to money. As a child, I remembered saving every penny I found and overtime grew into a large sum - enough to purchase my first car during my high school days. My husband, on the other hand, was never taught the money management skills necessary to live a practical adult life. If he wants something, he goes out and buys it. However, we've made it work by discussing our problems. We frequently disagree, but every married person can agree that marriage is all about compromise. And we work hard to compromise when it comes to our budget. My marriage advice to any newlywed would be to speak openly with your spouse about everything, especially when it comes to money. Communication is the biggest key to a happy marriage. Seek help from marriage counselors if you need help with your communication skills. And if for any reason you need help covering any unexpected expense, don't resort to an overdrawn bank account or addition fees. Payday installment loans have helped my marriage on different occasions, and more people should use these types of loans when they're in a temporary financial jam.

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