My eyes brightened when I spotted the email: “Your memories from 10 years ago.” I clicked through to a picture of my then-toddler daughter and felt the rush of oxytocin. I then scrolled through the rest of the pictures, the love hormone still flowing as I gazed at picture after picture of my kids. But then something struck me. There were no pictures of my husband and me together. None.
Even though those pictures felt like last week, the truth is, time flies. But no matter what parenting stage you’re in, it’s important to spend alone time with your husband. It lays a strong foundation for the years ahead. Cut yourself some slack for the past but resolve going forward to do things differently. Here are 5 out-of-the-box ways to think about spending quality time with your spouse.
1. Time is on your side.
“This Saturday night,” I said to my husband, finding nothing on the calendar. “Babe, it’s not gonna be family movie night. It’s gonna be you and me night.” He raised his eyebrows.
Spending quality time with your spouse needs to be a priority. But you’re in luck. Time is on your side because you can start now. Say it out loud or put it in writing, but make sure you book time with your husband today. You have a lot of a years ahead together, why not start a new chapter making memories now?
Spending quality time with your spouse needs to be a priority. Click To Tweet2. You made it—in the nick of time.
After dropping our kids off for their swim meet, my husband and I had about an hour before their races started. We decided to use a gift card to a local restaurant and have a spontaneous dinner out—just the two of us.
You don’t have to put things on the calendar for it to be special. Embracing last minute plans instead of over-planning could result in an evening that’s just as fun and maybe without all the pressure. If you’re not naturally spontaneous, start looking for opportunities. Whip out the wedding China and eat sandwiches. Stop at that food truck you always see but haven’t tried. Making a plan in the nick of time still counts for quality time with your spouse.
3. Time flies when you’re having fun.
When was the last time you did something fun (and maybe a little crazy) with your husband? I think I may reconsider date night ideas after reading Kristin McKinney’s research at McKendree University. She found that adrenaline-inducing activities heighten arousal and physical attraction. Playing badminton in the yard together, rollerblading down the street, or playing at a water park all work. You could even work out together. The key is to get your heart racing and have fun. Time will fly and chances are you’ll feel closer to your husband when time’s up.
4. Time is of the essence.
After we’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries for a few years, it’s easy to let things slide. I mean, it takes effort to call a babysitter, get dressed and go someplace. But carving out time for your husband matters. Sometimes it just takes a little forethought to make a dinner reservation or pick up a dessert on the way home from work. But if you celebrate him, he may get excited and want to do the same for you.
5. Make up for lost time because it’s better late than never.
A cute chocolate café opened a few years ago not far from my home. Since then, I’ve thought it’d be a fun place to visit with my husband. So, why are we waiting? The next time the kids are both busy, I’m going to suggest we head over and pick out some truffles. What do you want to do with your husband but haven’t yet found the time? Maybe it’d be a good idea to make a bucket list. Print out our free Husband and Wife Bucket List and start planning today!
Your marriage needs good memories. If you want to be able to look back with fondness on the years you’ve been married, resolve every week to spend quality time with your spouse. Make effort to show your love more intentionally. Speak your feelings more often. Don’t go through the motions of the day without pausing to notice your husband. Years from now, you’ll be glad you did!
What do you do when spending quality time with your spouse is hard to swing?
