If a relationship is to thrive and keep growing, we must have regular time together.
At the very least, plan to spend 1-2 hours alone together each week; to rekindle romance, to have fun, to talk together about your feelings (e.g., your hopes, fears, worries, excitements.)
We call this marriage time.
Marriage time should have all the connotations of a “date” together.
The benefits of marriage time:
• keeps the fun and romance alive in our relationship
• deepens our understanding and appreciation of each other
• ensures we communicate regularly on a meaningful level
Plan time together
It doesn't happen automatically. Find the best time for you and book it in, just like you would any other social or business appointment.
Write it on your calendars e.g.; Monday evening, "marriage time" or Wednesday lunchtime, "marriage time."
If you are very busy, plan marriage time several months in advance.
Question:Complete the Worksheet you will find under "Extras" or in the Study Guide
marriage more established having weathered tough times
may be teenagers in the house
emotionally the most exhausting stage of parenting
the greatest need is to support and encourage each other
Winter
empty-nest stage for many
probably fewer demands with an opportunity for more time together
can be the most exciting stage of marriage
the greatest needs are shared interests and good communication
Reflect on what you’ve heard so far. If you are in one of these seasons, talk together about the pressures you’ve worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you’re currently facing. If you’re not here yet, what do you think it will be like?