Don't Let the Busy-ness of Daily Life Ruin Romance

Married couples, especially with kids, are only all too familar with this - how the hectic pace of daily life can erase romance. It need not be so.

Sure, you're both exhausted and often irritable. Tempers flare at the smallest cause of friction. Or even worse, lack of time to unwind leads to indifference. No more talking other than coordinating schedules - who will pick up this child or that, who will do this chore or that.

If you allow this scenario to take over your marriage, you will find yourselves becoming strangers to each other. Yes, it may take years before you realize this but by then it may be too late.

How many retired couples find themselves having the luxury of being together the whole day only to realize that they couldn't think of anything to talk about? Or that they could no longer enjoy each other's company? They have grown too far apart through the years, only held together by the things-to-do for the kids and the household.

If you have married someone then you must have loved each other much - assuming, of course, that it's a love match. That love deserves to be protected and nurtured, not neglected and left to die.

It's not that difficult to keep romance and love alive and thriving. You don't have to abandon the things you need to do everyday, either. Simple eye contact with a meaningful smile that the two of you understand works wonders. A tight hug and a whispered endearment to go with the usual peck on the cheek before leaving the house will give both of you reason to smile for the rest of the day. A text message with a private joke. A short phone call or email. The point is to keep that intimate connection.

As the day unfolds, we each encounter moments we want to tell someone about. Reserve that for your spouse, and be involved in his/her accounts, as well. I read somewhere that one of the roles of a spouse is to bear witness to your partner's life - this covers his/her triumphs and disappointments, joys and sorrows. Share. Communicate.

We will always be busy, at least until retirement or even then. This does not mean there's no time or room for romance and love in every 24 hours. Let's make each day count.