It can be difficult to find a healthy balance in your marriage when it comes to meeting your needs as a couple, each spouse’s individual needs, and the needs of the children. This can especially difficult when you take into consideration the importance that the LDS faith puts on family. It is important to remember that marriage is the foundation of the family. It is what family unity is based on. A healthy marriage will help you to get through the trials that you face as a family. It will bring your children comfort. And it will bring you and your spouse peace.
It is important for this reason to take the time to nurture your marriage. Nurturing your marriage involves spending time together. You should still be dating your spouse. Even though you may have time alone together in the evenings, it is important to have time away from the house as well. You may want to spend time enjoying (or learning to enjoy) your spouse’s interests. This may mean that you go to an occasional football game, or you go to a play. It may mean hiking in the woods, when you would rather be at the mall. This shows your spouse that you care about him.
It is also important that you respect the fact that your spouse is a person outside of the marriage. It is important that each spouse have quality “me” time on a regular basis. This does require a sacrifice on the part of the other spouse, but if you are taking turns, it should balance out. It is normal and healthy to have separate interests from each other, but you should not let those interests override time that should be spent together.
It is also important to include time together with the whole family. This will strengthen your relationship with each other, as well as the whole family relationship. Spending time together helps to make memories. The memories will help to build a solid foundation for your family.
Related Articles:
Finding Balance Between Spending Time Together and Time Alone
Re-Investing in Your Marriage – Planning Date Nights
Gospel Centered Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage