Why Couples Need To Spend Quality Time Together
In light of COVID-19, a lot of media attention has been directed toward couples finding ways to spend time apart now that many partners are spending 24/7 together at home. While there’s no doubt that finding time for yourselves independently in your relationship is important, this hot-topic conversation overlooks the importance of spending quality time together with your loved one. We may be spending more time physically in the same space as our spouses, but how much of that time are you devoting to strengthening your relationship?
How Couples Are Spending Their Time Together
Unfortunately, many couples are forgetting to savor their relationships and instead are going through the motions. When it comes to relationship psychology, savoring is similar to mindfulness but relates specifically to pleasant experiences. Essentially, if you and your spouse were walking through a field of roses, you may be viewing the field as another stop on your next destination. But when you choose to savor your time together, you slow down and appreciate her hand in your hand and the roses all around you that are ready to be stopped and smelled.
What Is Quality Time?
Of course, the idea of having to make room in our schedules for more time with our partners might seem daunting even though we love them dearly. However, quality time doesn’t have to mean a special date night that requires preparation and time carved out of your day. To reap the benefits of spending time together, you simply need to make sure you and your spouse are interacting in a positive way while doing an activity that is enjoyable to both of you. A dinner out is great for some couples, but if you prefer to spend quality time doing chores together, you’ll still be fostering connection with your partner. As long as you’re both committed to an activity that you can enjoy together, you’ll be investing in quality time.
Why Quality Time Is Important
In today’s world, it can be hard to catch your breath, let alone look for ways for you and your partner to spend time together. Between caring for our families, protecting our health, and building careers, adding another item to your to-do list can seem impossible, even if it is making time for the love of your life. But the truth is whenever we make the time for a few extra moments to reconnect with our spouse, our overall quality of life improves dramatically. When we spend quality time with our significant other, we’re able to not only remember the reasons we fell in love with the person and what makes them special, but also reestablish our needs and wants with each other. This relates particularly to women who often feel overwhelmed by the emotional labor that falls on their shoulders because of society’s expectations. By taking the time to simply be with each other and talk, you and your partner can rebalance your relationship and discuss what needs and wants you both have while still having a wonderful time together.
How You Can Spend Quality Time Together
Making time for your spouse doesn’t require you to make reservations or book an Airbnb unless that’s something you want to do. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend time with each other as a couple:
If you’re working from home or work close to one another, step away from your desks and join each other for lunch with takeout from one of your favorite restaurants.
Make grocery shopping fun by planning a special meal together and going to get the ingredients together. Talk about the cultural significance or the personal meaning of the food you’re making to create an extra special moment.
Join us for one of our virtual events to connect with speakers and other couples and then take time to discuss what you learned after the session.
Ask your partner to teach you about one of their favorite hobbies that you’re not familiar with. If he’s passionate about carpentry and you love gardening, ask him to teach you how to make a little birdhouse to place in your favorite maple tree.
How do you and your partner like to spend quality time together? Has that changed since the pandemic? We’d love to hear about it! Leave us a comment or reach out to us on Instagram or Facebook to share your favorite tips.