Marriage is the union of two individuals who vow to spend their lives together in love and harmony. As couples navigate through life, they may face various challenges that test the strength of their bond. One such challenge is finding time for each other amidst busy schedules and responsibilities.
The importance of spending quality time with one’s spouse cannot be overstated. Research suggests that couples who frequently engage in shared activities report higher levels of marital satisfaction than those who do not (Grossman & Grossman, 1980). This indicates that investing time into building a strong relationship can have positive effects on both partners’ well-being.
However, prioritizing this aspect of marriage can prove challenging as work demands, caring for children, and other obligations take up much of one’s day. In this article, we will explore the reasons why spending time together is crucial for a happy marriage and discuss strategies to incorporate it into busy lifestyles.
The Importance Of Quality Time In Marriage
Quality time is of utmost importance in maintaining a healthy and happy marriage. Spending time together helps to improve relationship satisfaction, increase communication, and strengthen the emotional bond between partners.
A study conducted by the National Marriage Project found that couples who spend quality time together are more likely to report high levels of overall marital happiness.
One important aspect of spending quality time with one’s partner is maintaining passion within the relationship. Engaging in shared activities can reignite feelings of excitement and romance, which can help keep the spark alive. This may involve trying new things or revisiting old hobbies that both partners enjoy. By making an effort to prioritize this kind of quality time on a regular basis, couples can help ensure their connection remains strong over time.
Another benefit of focusing on quality time as a couple is improved communication. When individuals feel heard and understood by their partner, they are more likely to feel satisfied in the relationship. Quality conversation and active listening are key components in building trust and respect between partners, which ultimately leads to greater intimacy.
In summary, prioritizing quality time together is essential for strengthening marriages and improving overall relationship satisfaction. By engaging in shared activities, maintaining passion, and fostering open communication channels, couples can build a stronger foundation for lasting love and happiness.
In the following section we will explore some specific benefits of spending regular quality time together as a married couple.
Benefits Of Spending Time Together
Spending time together is an essential aspect of a healthy marriage. It provides couples with the opportunity to bond, connect and strengthen their relationship.
In this section, we will discuss some of the benefits that come with spending quality time together.
Firstly, engaging in activities such as creativity exercises can help married couples develop new ways of communicating and relating to each other. These exercises can range from simple projects like painting or cooking together to more complex ones like writing short stories or plays. By doing so, couples are able to tap into their creative sides while also strengthening their bonds through collaboration.
Secondly, outdoor activities offer another great way for married couples to spend quality time together. Outdoor activities provide opportunities for adventure, exploration and discovery which not only helps them create memories but also fosters a sense of teamwork and unity between partners. Activities such as hiking, camping or going on nature walks allows couples to reconnect with each other and appreciate the beauty around them.
Thirdly, spending time together helps reduce stress levels in both partners. According to research conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), being in the presence of loved ones has been found to lower cortisol levels which is associated with high-stress levels. Therefore, taking out time from our hectic schedules and indulging in leisure activities with one’s partner can greatly contribute towards reducing stress-related illnesses.
Lastly, spending quality time together strengthens emotional intimacy between married couples. The act of sharing experiences builds trust and deepens connection between two people who have committed themselves emotionally and spiritually towards each other; thus creating a deeper understanding of each other’s needs leading to greater marital satisfaction.
In conclusion, spending quality time together is key for building stronger relationships between spouses. Engaging in creativity exercises, outdoor activities or simply relaxing at home talking about life’s experiences can lead to increased happiness within a marriage. Couples should make every effort possible to cultivate habits that encourage bonding without necessarily feeling compelled to – it positively impacts their relationship. The next section will discuss communication and connection as another aspect of healthy marriages that couples should strive to cultivate.
Communication And Connection
It’s a well-known fact that married couples should spend time together. But let’s take a moment to really examine the importance of communication and connection in maintaining a healthy relationship.
Active listening is crucial for any successful conversation between partners. This means giving your full attention to what your partner is saying without interrupting or planning your response ahead of time.
Expressing emotions openly and honestly is just as important, but it can be difficult if one partner feels their emotions are not being validated. In these situations, active listening can go a long way in making sure both parties feel heard and understood.
Nonverbal communication also plays a significant role in strengthening emotional bonds between partners. Simple gestures like holding hands, hugging, or even looking into each other’s eyes can convey feelings of love and affection more powerfully than words ever could.
Additionally, setting aside quality time for shared experiences – whether it be date nights or weekend getaways – allows couples to connect on a deeper level and create lasting memories together.
In conclusion, fostering open communication and deepening emotional connections are essential elements in any strong marriage. By actively listening to one another, expressing emotions freely, utilizing nonverbal cues effectively, and dedicating quality time to each other regularly, couples can strengthen their bond and build a foundation for lifelong happiness together.
Next up: exploring ways to further strengthen those emotional bonds!
Strengthening Emotional Bonds
Married couples have to regularly spend time with each other if they want their relationship to thrive. Spending quality time together is essential in building and strengthening emotional bonds. Relationship building activities are a great way for married couples to do this. These activities can range from taking a walk or cooking dinner together, to going on vacation or trying out a new hobby.
Meaningful conversations are also crucial in maintaining strong emotional bonds between spouses. Couples should set aside time every day to talk about their thoughts and feelings, as well as any issues that may arise. This helps build trust and intimacy while also reducing the risk of misunderstandings caused by lack of communication.
In addition to spending quality time and having meaningful conversations, it is important for couples to engage in shared experiences that create lasting memories.
A three-item numeric list could include:
- Taking dance lessons together
- Going on a road trip
- Volunteering at a local charity event
These experiences not only bring spouses closer but also help them learn more about each other’s interests and personalities.
By engaging in these practices, married couples can strengthen their emotional connections and maintain healthy relationships over the long term without feeling like they’re sacrificing individuality for the sake of being together all the time.
In doing so, they’ll be able to weather any storms that come their way – including those related to building trust and intimacy which we will explore further in the next section.
Building Trust And Intimacy
As we have discussed in the previous section, strengthening emotional bonds is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. However, building trust and intimacy are also vital factors that contribute to long-lasting marriages.
Trust can be established through various trust-building activities that couples engage in together. These activities help foster communication, honesty, and transparency between partners.
One effective way of developing trust and intimacy is by being emotionally vulnerable with one another. Emotional vulnerability refers to opening up about your thoughts, feelings, fears, and insecurities without fear of judgment or rejection from your partner. By doing so, you create an environment where both parties feel safe to express themselves freely. This helps build mutual understanding and empathy towards each other’s experiences.
Trust-building activities such as engaging in shared hobbies or trying new things together can also reduce stress levels while enhancing well-being within the relationship. Engaging in physical activity like exercising together has been shown to release endorphins which promotes positive emotions such as joy and happiness. Furthermore, participating in novel activities strengthens the bond between partners by creating unique memories they can share with one another.
In conclusion, spending time together as a married couple is essential not only for strengthening emotional bonds but also for building trust and intimacy within the relationship. Trust-building activities coupled with emotional vulnerability allows for open communication which encourages empathy towards each other’s experiences leading to stronger marital relationships.
Such activities create opportunities for reducing stress levels while enhancing overall well-being within the marriage union; thus providing a foundation upon which long-term successful partnerships thrive.
Reducing Stress And Enhancing Well-Being
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common problem for many people. It can lead to various health issues such as anxiety, depression, and heart disease. Therefore, it is essential to practice self-care techniques that help reduce stress and enhance well-being. These techniques include physical exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and getting enough sleep.
One way to incorporate physical exercise into your daily routine while reducing stress is by engaging in outdoor activities. Spending time in nature not only helps you stay active but also provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Whether it’s jogging through a park or hiking in the mountains, being outside can significantly improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.
Additionally, research shows that spending time in green spaces can have a positive impact on mental health. Studies suggest that exposure to natural environments reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, participating in outdoor activities with others can provide social support that contributes to better mental health outcomes.
Prioritizing self-care techniques like outdoor activities can effectively reduce stress levels and enhance overall well-being.
However, it is equally important for married couples to prioritize spending quality time together regularly. In the next section, we will discuss why this is crucial for relationships’ success and how it can be achieved without compromising individual needs or obligations.
Prioritizing Time Together
As the saying goes, ‘Time flies when you’re having fun.’ This is especially true for married couples who prioritize spending time together. While couples may have busy schedules and obligations to attend to, it’s important that they make an effort to create boundaries and maintain consistency in their relationship.
Creating boundaries can be challenging but is necessary for a healthy marriage. By setting limits on work-related activities or other commitments outside of the home, couples can ensure that they have ample time to spend with each other.
It’s also crucial for partners to communicate openly about their needs and expectations regarding personal space and alone time. When both parties are aware of each other’s boundaries, it fosters feelings of mutual respect and understanding within the relationship.
Maintaining consistency in spending quality time together should also be a priority for married couples. One way to do this is by scheduling regular date nights or planning weekend getaways as opportunities for uninterrupted bonding experiences.
Engaging in hobbies or interests together can also help strengthen a couple’s bond while allowing them to explore new passions as a team.
In summary, prioritizing time together is essential for any healthy marriage. Creating boundaries and maintaining consistency through shared activities helps foster deeper connections between partners. In the next section, we will discuss how scheduling activities and date nights can further enhance a couple’s commitment to one another.
Scheduling Activities And Date Nights
Scheduling activities for married couples can be a great way to ensure that time is spent together.
Developing a routine for activities can help couples stay connected, and exploring new activities can create a sense of adventure.
Date nights are another important part of a marriage and should be seen as an opportunity to re-connect and strengthen the bond between two people.
Planning date nights and sticking to the plan can help couples maintain a healthy relationship.
Scheduling Activities
Scheduling Activities: How to Keep Your Marriage Strong
It is no secret that married couples experience difficulties in maintaining their relationship. One of the most common problems they face is finding time for each other amidst busy work schedules and household chores.
However, scheduling activities together can help keep your marriage strong and healthy.
To start with, having weekly routines or traditions can be a great way to spend quality time as a couple. This could be something as simple as cooking dinner together once a week or watching movies on Friday nights. By making these rituals part of your routine, you are creating an opportunity to bond and connect with one another regularly.
Another way to schedule activities is by planning outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping or even just taking walks around the park. Being outdoors allows couples to disconnect from technology and daily stresses while enjoying nature’s beauty together. It also provides opportunities for shared experiences which can bring them closer.
Lastly, it is important not to overlook the small things when trying to plan date nights. Something as simple as going out for coffee or dessert after dinner can create meaningful moments between partners. The key is to prioritize spending quality time together consistently so that it becomes a habit rather than an occasional occurrence.
In conclusion, scheduling activities together is vital in keeping marriages happy and strong. Whether it’s through weekly routines, outdoor adventures, or small gestures like grabbing coffee together; prioritizing this time will ultimately strengthen the bond between partners and ensure that love continues to flourish over time.
Date Nights
Scheduling activities together is essential in maintaining a healthy and strong marriage. One of the most significant aspects of scheduling such activities is planning date nights. Date nights are crucial as they create an opportunity for couples to connect with each other outside their daily routines.
In this subtopic, we will explore creative ideas for date nights that are budget-friendly.
The first creative idea for date night is to have a game night at home. This can be done once or twice a month, depending on your schedules. You could play board games, video games, card games or any type of game you both enjoy playing. Game nights allow couples to bond over something fun and exciting while remaining within their homes’ comfort.
Another budget-friendly idea for date night is taking a cooking class together. The classes could either be online or offline, depending on what works best for you. Cooking classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new recipes and techniques while also creating memories with each other.
Additionally, going stargazing can also make for a great date night activity; it’s free and romantic! Couples can pack blankets and pillows and head out under the stars where they can relax and appreciate the beauty of the universe.
In conclusion, there are several creative ideas for date nights that won’t break the bank but still allow couples to spend quality time together away from their routine lives. Scheduling these regular dates helps keep marriages happy and strong by allowing partners to reconnect regularly, making them feel more appreciated and loved.
Making Time For Each Other
Married couples often lead busy lives, and it can be challenging to find time to spend together. However, making time for each other is essential for a healthy relationship.
One way to ensure that you have quality time with your partner is by planning creative date ideas. This could involve trying out new restaurants or cooking meals together at home. Outdoor activities like hiking or biking are also great ways to bond while enjoying nature.
Another important aspect of spending time together as a married couple is ensuring that you have alone time. While doing things together is beneficial, having some personal space helps strengthen the relationship too. It allows both partners to recharge their batteries and come back more relaxed and focused on the relationship. Spending some quiet moments reading a book or going for a walk alone can help individuals maintain their sense of identity within the marriage.
To make sure that you prioritize spending time together, try scheduling regular date nights into your calendar. Even if it’s just once a month, knowing that there’s dedicated time set aside for each other will give you something to look forward to.
Additionally, don’t underestimate small gestures like leaving notes of appreciation around the house or surprising your partner with breakfast in bed.
In summary, married couples should make an effort to spend quality time together regularly. Creative date ideas and prioritizing alone time are two key components in maintaining a strong connection between partners. By setting aside intentional time for each other and showing acts of kindness throughout daily life, couples can keep their relationship thriving.
As we’ve discussed how crucial it is for married couples to spend quality time together, balancing work and home life becomes another significant issue they need to address effectively.
Balancing Work And Home Life
Making time for each other is crucial in a marriage. However, it can be challenging to balance the demands of work and home life. Achieving this balance requires effective time management strategies that allow couples to prioritize their responsibilities.
Work-life balance is essential as it ensures individuals have enough time for both personal and professional pursuits. This balance becomes even more critical when two people are married since they must manage not only their own schedules but also those of their partner’s.
Therefore, it is essential to establish a schedule that works for both parties and allows them to spend quality time together regularly.
Effective time management strategies include setting aside specific times during the week solely dedicated to spending time with one’s spouse. Couples can use these designated times to engage in shared activities such as cooking meals, watching movies or taking walks together.
Additionally, delegating household chores and responsibilities can free up valuable time which couples can then use to strengthen their relationship. Delegating responsibilities means sharing the workload between partners instead of leaving everything on one person’s shoulders. This could involve dividing household chores based on skills or preferences or hiring outside help where necessary.
By doing so, couples will have more leisurely moments that they can spend enjoying each other’s company without worrying about unfinished tasks around the house.
Balancing work and home life while still making ample time for your significant other may seem daunting at first; however, with proper planning and delegation of tasks, it is achievable. The key factor here is communication; spouses need to communicate openly about what needs prioritizing within their lives and how best they can achieve an appropriate work-life balance while nurturing their relationship simultaneously.
Delegating Responsibilities
Imagine a small sailing vessel navigating through the rough and unpredictable waters of the open sea. The crew onboard must work together to ensure that each member is safe, fed, and healthy while simultaneously managing the sails and steering towards their destination.
In much the same way, married couples must navigate through life’s challenges as they divide chores and share responsibilities. Dividing chores can be challenging at times. It requires clear communication between partners to understand what tasks need to be performed regularly, who will perform them, how often they should occur, and in what manner. Additionally, it may require some compromise as different individuals may have preferences for how certain tasks are completed or when they are accomplished.
Shared responsibilities go beyond mere task completion; they involve working together to achieve common goals. For example, financial planning requires both parties’ involvement to ensure long-term stability and security. Similarly, household decisions such as choosing a school for children or deciding on vacation plans necessitate collaboration and mutual agreement.
Effective delegation of responsibilities within marriage creates room for support systems outside of the relationship itself. When couples communicate effectively about shared burdens and responsibilities that exist within their daily lives, they can seek out additional resources from friends or family members if needed – without compromising their relationships with one another.
Furthermore, discussing these duties also provides an opportunity for spouses to consider childcare options when necessary- allowing each individual time away from parenting duties while still ensuring their child’s wellbeing. As couples navigate through life’s storms together by delegating responsibilities appropriately, this opens up opportunities for external support systems like close family members or trusted babysitters to assist with childcare needs once in awhile.
By working collaboratively within marriages regarding division of labor and overall decision making processes related specifically around household management aspects (finance planning), there remains more flexibility available towards incorporating help where deemed fit – ultimately leading towards greater harmony amongst all involved parties!
Support Systems And Childcare
Married couples often face the challenge of balancing their time between work, personal responsibilities, and quality time with each other. For those who have children, this challenge becomes even more complex as they must juggle co-parenting strategies while finding reliable babysitters to look after their little ones.
Co-parenting strategies involve actively working together to ensure that both parents are equally involved in raising and nurturing their children. This not only strengthens the bond between the couple but also helps create a positive environment for the child’s development. Parents can split duties such as meal preparation, bathing times or bedtimes so that neither parent is overwhelmed by childcare responsibilities.
Finding reliable babysitters can be challenging at times for married couples, especially if they don’t have close family members nearby who can help out when needed. However, there are many options available now such as hiring professional nannies or using reputable online platforms to find experienced babysitters. It’s essential to choose someone trustworthy and qualified to keep your child safe while you’re away.
Building a support system around them is crucial for married couples trying to balance work-life and parenthood effectively. They should consider reaching out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support or offer practical assistance when necessary. Having a trusted friend or relative whom you can rely on goes a long way in alleviating stress levels and promoting overall well-being.
With adequate support systems and dependable childcare arrangements in place, married couples can enjoy spending quality time together without worrying about neglecting their parental duties.
In the next section, we will discuss some simple ways through which spouses can reconnect with one another after being apart due to busy schedules or other commitments.
Reconnecting After Time Apart
Support systems and childcare play a crucial role in the lives of married couples, especially those who have children. However, it is equally important for couples to spend time together without their children.
Spending quality time with each other enables them to bond and strengthen their relationship. One way that couples can do this is by engaging in solo activities that they both enjoy. This could include anything from going on a hike or bike ride alone, to pursuing individual hobbies like painting or writing.
By doing things separately but concurrently, couples are able to maintain a sense of independence while still feeling connected to one another. Another essential aspect of spending time together is setting relationship goals. These goals may involve working towards shared interests or planning for the future as a team.
Establishing these objectives helps keep the couple focused on what matters most in their relationship and provides motivation to work through any challenges that arise. While spending time together is vital for maintaining a healthy marriage, it’s not always easy.
Obstacles and challenges such as busy schedules, financial stressors or health problems can create barriers for couples trying to connect. Overcoming these hurdles requires effort, patience and communication between partners. In light of these obstacles, the next section will explore strategies for overcoming challenges that can impact a couple’s ability to spend quality time together and maintain strong relationships over time.
Overcoming Obstacles And Challenges
Metaphorically speaking, marriage is like a garden that requires constant tending and nurturing. It takes effort, patience, and dedication to make it thrive. One of the essential aspects of any successful marriage is spending quality time together regularly.
However, as couples navigate life’s challenges, they may face obstacles that hinder their ability to spend time together. One common challenge that married couples encounter is navigating busy schedules and conflicting priorities. With demanding jobs, raising children, household responsibilities, and personal commitments, finding time for each other can be challenging.
To overcome this obstacle, couples must prioritize their relationship by scheduling regular date nights or weekend getaways without distractions. There should be mutual respect for each other’s needs and understanding when one partner has more work commitments than usual.
Another external stressor that affects the amount of time spent together is dealing with unexpected events such as illness or family emergencies. These situations require flexibility in one’s schedule to attend to pressing matters while still making an effort to stay connected with your spouse during difficult times.
Moreover, communication plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges related to spending quality time together. Couples need to communicate openly about their feelings regarding the lack of time spent together and what solutions might work best for both parties involved.
In summary, overcoming obstacles within a marriage involves prioritizing quality time together despite external pressures like busy schedules and stressful events. Communication also helps address concerns about inadequate time spent together so partners can come up with mutually agreeable solutions. By working through these challenges effectively, married couples can strengthen their bond while creating memorable moments that nurture a lifelong partnership.
Nurturing A Lifelong Partnership
The journey towards a successful marriage is never without obstacles and challenges. These tests could come in the form of financial instability, health issues, or disagreements on fundamental values. However, it’s how couples navigate through these trials that determines the strength and longevity of their partnership.
One way to overcome these hurdles is by nurturing the relationship with creative date ideas. Taking time away from daily routines and responsibilities can help reignite the spark between partners. From cooking classes to hiking trips, there are numerous ways for couples to explore new hobbies together and deepen their connection.
For those who are in long distance relationships, finding ways to spend quality time together can be especially challenging. However, technology has made it easier than ever before to bridge the physical gap between two people. Scheduling virtual dates through video calls or playing online games together are just some examples of how couples can stay connected despite being miles apart.
Nurturing a lifelong partnership requires consistent effort and intentionality. Whether overcoming obstacles or exploring new experiences, married couples should prioritize spending time together as an essential element of their relationship. By doing so, they will continue building a strong foundation that will withstand any future challenges that may arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Should Married Couples Spend Together?
Spending quality time together is crucial for the maintenance of a healthy and happy marriage.
However, balancing personal and couple time can be challenging.
The amount of time married couples spend together largely depends on their individual circumstances, such as work schedules, family responsibilities, and hobbies that they enjoy doing separately.
While it’s important to prioritize spending time with your spouse, it’s also necessary to maintain a sense of independence in order to avoid becoming overly dependent or suffocating each other.
Ultimately, the key is to find a balance that works for both partners and allows them to grow individually while nurturing their relationship.
What Are Some Creative Ways To Spend Time Together As A Married Couple?
According to research conducted by the National Marriage Project, couples who spend quality time together on a regular basis are more likely to have higher levels of marital satisfaction and longevity.
With that in mind, date night ideas and DIY projects can be creative ways for married couples to spend time together.
Some potential date night ideas include trying out new recipes at home, going on a hike or bike ride together, attending a concert or play, or taking a dance class.
Alternatively, married couples may enjoy working on DIY projects such as gardening or redecorating their living space.
By engaging in these activities together, married couples can strengthen their bond and nurture their relationship over time.
Can Spending Too Much Time Together Be Detrimental To A Marriage?
Balancing alone time and separate hobbies can be crucial in maintaining a healthy marriage.
While spending quality time together is important, too much togetherness can actually have negative effects on the relationship.
Couples who do not take time for themselves may become co-dependent or feel suffocated by their partner’s constant presence, which can lead to resentment and conflict.
On the other hand, having separate interests and activities allows each person to maintain their individuality and pursue personal growth, while also bringing new experiences and perspectives back into the marriage.
Therefore, it is essential for couples to find a balance between spending time together and apart in order to strengthen their relationship over time.
How Can Busy Schedules And Conflicting Priorities Be Navigated To Make Time For Each Other?
In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy for busy schedules and conflicting priorities to take over, leaving little time for married couples to spend quality time together.
However, carving out regular date nights and employing effective communication strategies can help navigate these challenges.
By intentionally setting aside time to connect with each other and openly communicating about priorities and scheduling conflicts, couples can strengthen their relationship bonds and ensure that they are making time for each other amidst the demands of daily life.
While it may require effort and planning, prioritizing quality time together can have a positive impact on marital satisfaction in the long term.
As author Maya Angelou once said, ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’
By prioritizing time spent together as a couple, spouses can create lasting memories and foster deeper emotional connections with one another.
How Can Couples Reconnect After Extended Periods Of Time Apart?
Long distance relationships can be challenging, especially when couples have been apart for an extended period of time.
The importance of communication cannot be overstated in these situations, as it allows couples to reconnect and rebuild their relationship.
It is essential that both partners take the initiative to communicate regularly, whether through phone calls or video chats.
Additionally, planning visits or trips together can help rekindle the spark in a long-distance relationship.
By making the effort to stay connected and maintain open lines of communication, couples can overcome the challenges posed by physical distance and strengthen their bond.
Conclusion
Married couples should absolutely spend time together, as it is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a healthy and happy relationship.
However, the amount of time spent together may vary depending on each couple’s individual needs and preferences.
Some creative ways to spend quality time together include taking up a new hobby or activity that both partners enjoy, planning date nights or weekend getaways, or simply enjoying a quiet night in with some good conversation.
It is important to note, however, that spending too much time together can also have negative consequences for a marriage.
It is crucial for couples to maintain their own identities and interests outside of the relationship in order to avoid becoming enmeshed or codependent.
Additionally, navigating busy schedules and conflicting priorities can be challenging but not impossible – communication and compromise are key in these situations.
Finally, if extended periods of time apart occur due to work obligations or other circumstances, intentional efforts must be made to reconnect and strengthen the bond between partners upon reuniting.
In conclusion, married couples should prioritize spending quality time together while also balancing individuality and independence.
As famed philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said (albeit sarcastically), ‘It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.’
So go forth and enjoy each other’s company – just don’t forget about your own hobbies and friends along the way!
