In the hustle and bustle of a busy week, it's easy to forget not only ourselves, but also our relationships. These challenges are more common than we think, and even mental health professionals can face them.
Relationship psychologist Mark Travers, PhD, knows these dynamics firsthand, both in his professional life and as a spouse. Through his experience, he highlights the importance of quality time that couples spend together, especially on the weekends.
1. Put your cell phones away.
A couple can spend a lot of time together, but if that time is constantly interrupted by phone notifications, then it's not really quality time. According to Travers, the happiest couples know how to be truly present with each other, avoiding distractions. A quiet morning drinking coffee together, a walk or a dinner at home can turn into a special moment, at least as long as technology remains off the table.
2. Choose to be together… even when you want to be apart
After a tiring week, we all need some space for ourselves. Often, couples face the dilemma: “my time” or “our time”?
Travers suggests a solution: “parallel play.” Each person pursues an activity they enjoy, one reads, the other watches their favorite series, sharing the same space, but without pressure to interact.
3. Create small rituals
Rituals create emotional connections and bring stability to relationships. They don't have to be complex: preparing breakfast together, planning the week over a glass of wine, or even sharing a tedious task like cleaning. These small habits, repeated with love, give a sense of togetherness.
4. Plan your intimate life too
Sex is an important pillar of a healthy relationship. But when your weekend is filled with commitments, intimacy can be pushed back indefinitely. According to Travers, intentionally scheduling time for sex isn't a lack of spontaneity; instead, it's a way to maintain emotional and physical closeness without depending on "when we have time."
5. Laugh together
Humor is one of the best ways to strengthen a relationship. Laughter brings joy and breaks up the monotony. Happy couples know the importance of quality time, whether it's through a silly game, a joke, or a shared activity.
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