Most people agree that spending more time with their partner would enrich their relationship. In fact, research has consistently found that it’s the quality of our relationships – not our jobs, possessions, or accomplishments – that determine how happy we are as people and as partners.
Yet if you look at how you spend your time, you might find that your values and your schedules don’t match up. Work and responsibilities tug at every moment. Guilt sets in when the to-do list is put down. Before you know it, you’re lying in bed, wondering where the day went. The few minutes before you drift off to sleep may be all you see of your partner for another day.
When you and your partner first met, you carved out time to get to know each other. Building the relationship was a priority, and you were richly rewarded for your time.
Why should it be any different now?
Changing any habit takes sustained effort. The first step is reminding yourself of the change you want to make. Perhaps this exercise will help you remember there’s no time like the present for loving and being loved.
- Fill a large, clear container with 365 marbles
- Put the container where you can see it
- Take out one marble every day
This will remind you that another day of your life is gone – forever. We never know how much time we have left to love, to laugh, and to savor the richness of our lives.
