Time For Us

Life is frantic. There are children to feed, a home to clean, a job to attend to, bills to pay, and then there’s the marriage—usually in that order. At times the marriage feels like another obligation, rather than a relationship that recharges your batteries so you enjoy life.

A majority of households now are dual-income families. Many are dual-income, blended families, adding yet another layer of complexity to the situation. Raising children in an atmosphere of financial pressures can be hard enough, but how do we find time for us? These are questions more and more couples are asking, and there is no simple answer.

A recent email elucidates the problem.

Dear Dr. David. I really do not have a comment but I did thoroughly enjoy the article. My question is what suggestions would you have for a married couple that’s been married six years with a 17-month-old? Usually when I get home from work I try to spend time with both my wife and toddler. It was suggested that the first 20 minutes should be spent talking with your spouse in a quiet place but it is hard to do that when we have a toddler running around. When it's time for dinner I find it heard to carry on conversations because my wife doesn't talk much when she normally initiates the conversations and myself normally not being the initiator. Any advise or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

                                                                        --Lonely Husband

Have you encountered a similar experience in your relationship? Do you have any advice to share with our readers? There is no simple solution and each couple will have to tailor ways to spend quality time together. Please share what has worked for you.