Busy couples are nothing new. It seems that more and more, I read about how difficult it is for partners to fit in enough time for one another, without taking away time from something (or someone, i.e. kids) else.
If I’m not working on one of my two blogs or handling 1983 (my small shop), then there is the never-ending duty of being mom and wife. My husband’s super busy 70 hour week work schedule, frequently keeps him away from home. All of this means that it is often little to no time for him and me to spend together. Some weeks we are lucky if we can even sit down and enjoy a movie together.
- Plan ahead: Sometimes it can be difficult, especially if you have trouble getting a sitter, or if you have an unpredictable work schedule. However, if you can meet up for a quick lunch date while the kids are in school or at daycare, this can be just as good as a regular evening date.
- Take interests in each others interest: My husband loves to play video games. Sometimes, just so we can get some time alone together, I will play with him. Likewise, he knows that I love to listen to podcasts. Some nights after the kids go to bed, we will just curl up on the couch and listen to a few podcasts together. There are times you have to get creative about fitting in time with one another. We each love doing our own individual thing, especially since it helps us to unwind. However, I know he thinks playing video games are ten times more enjoyable when I play along with him.
- Just say no: We all have things to do, but there are long stretches of time when he and I get so busy that we literally only interact with one another long enough to hi and goodnight. If you’re a married couple, that is no way to live. You have to learn to just back away from everything once in a while and invest in each other as much time as you invest into work, kids or anything else.
- Take a trip: If you are able to get away for a weekend (or even one night), you absolutely should do it. Reconnecting and rekindling is something that all couples need to do once in a while. If you can’t afford to get away, get a hotel room in town, or do a staycation and send the kids to family or a trusted friend for the evening.
Just for a bonus, here are some of my favorite date night looks!
Related: 15 Budget-Friendly Date Nights
How do you and your partner ensure that you make time for one another?
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
