Get In Tune...
I recently read an article about communicating with your spouse on financial responsibilities. It inspired me to look at the broader picture to think about how couples communicate in general. Whether the topic is growing as a couple, raising your children, in-laws, spiritual, job related or financial...are we in tune with our mate?
I'm sure each of us can realize the need to routinely carry out our daily tasks and handle our allotted responsibilities, usually independently of our spouse. But, are we making it a priority to "re-group" at the end of the day? Do we set aside time to share our thoughts, dreams and happenings with each other? Are we staying "in tune" and keeping up with our "key" values? Do we allow time to show preference to each other?
In the midst of our busy lives; earning a living, raising children, ministering to others, dealing with family and spiritual issues, household upkeep and duties and life in general... sometimes we get out of harmony!!
There are so many things I appreciate about my husband! But, sometimes it still surprises me how good he is at "courting" me, even 28 years after we walked the aisle!! I love to receive a mid-day phone call from him at work, "just because he wants to hear my voice". Or, how can a woman resist when her man walks in with a bouquet of fresh flowers... "just because I love you".
Sometimes keeping that connection can be as simple as setting aside time to take a walk, or sitting snuggled up on the couch to read or watch a movie. Showing preference to each other helps to teach our children that we are important to each other as a couple!! Our married daughters have informed us that although they used to get frustrated when we would have "quiet time" just for Mom & Dad to talk, now they understand. They have learned that the key to a good marriage is staying connected as partners and now plan to implement the same "time-out" principles in their own homes. This especially holds true when a family grows to include children.
What ways do you and your husband keep in touch and show preference to each other?
Labels:
Family-Marriage-Parenting
5 comments:
Diane,
We have alone time together as well. The children are not allowed to interrupt. I hope that someday they will see the value of it as yours do.
We call each other throughout the day, and make sure that we have time together every night, sending teenagers to be around 9:00. When the children were younger 7:00 was their bedtime. This lasted until our oldest was about 10! We didn't have a lot of money to go out, but made sure that we had time for each other anyway.
I appreciate your post. You visited my site and commented on the date I had with my son. My husband and I love each other, but we do rarely set aside time for ourselves. It's hard to do with three little ones, but every once in a while I feel like I should make the extra effort. Maybe I'll do that! Thanks.
We do this, too, Daine! It is so important to keep those communication lines open. Our girls have daddy/daughter dates, even the two married ones! LOL, and my husband always makes sure he doesn't forget me, too!
What a wonderful post, Diane! My husband and I have what we call "Couch Time." Just a few uninterrupted minutes of visiting when he gets home from work. Sometimes we chat in the kitchen though! This helps him to unwind from his day at the office. We also call each other several times during the day.
Kelli
Hi Tracy, Karen & Kelli! Sounds like you all are doing a great job of staying connected with hubby!! It makes all the difference when you reach the "empty nest" stage and you have not only kept up with the friendship... but your love has deepened over the years! Karen, that's great that your husband still "dates" his girls even after they are married. He must have a very close relationship with them!
Hi Michelle...Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment! I think you'll find it's really worth the effort to spend some "date time" with just your spouse! The kids need to see that Mom & Dad are important to each other.
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