The kids have finally left the nest, and whether it’s permanently or just for the afternoon, it’s the perfect time for you and your partner to spend some time together to connect. When you have kids in the house, it can be tricky to find time to get out and date your partner, but quality time is an important part of any relationship. Read on to get creative on how to make the most of the time you and your spouse have alone together while the kids are away.
- Make Romantic Plans
You may not have the time or resources to set off on a Caribbean cruise with one another, but you can certainly scheme the next time that you can. Studies have revealed that the best, most mood-boosting aspect of vacations is the anticipation and planning stage, more than actually taking the trip itself.
While you know you’ll have a wonderful time traveling in the future with your partner no matter what, reap the real benefits of a vacation by sitting down to talk about where the two of you would like to jet set to next.
- Talk About Your Dreams
You may feel like you have always had a good idea of your partner’s goals, dreams, favorites and ambitions, but these things can change over time. Take some time to sit down and get curious about the things your partner dreams about, where they’d like to go with your relationship and where they see themselves in their career or personal life in five years. You may even be surprised by some of the things you can continue to learn about your spouse, even if you’ve been together for decades.
- Get Some Rest
Parenthood is notoriously exhausting. If it feels like you can’t even sit down for more than a few moments when the kids are around, you should take a well-deserved rest while they’re away. Lay, cuddle or sit with your partner and try to take a nap, take some deep breaths, and just enjoy the peace and quiet together.
- Reminisce
With busy schedules and crowded to-do lists, it may have been a while since you and your spouse created new memories just the two of you. Even if you haven’t shared any new experiences lately, you can reconnect by talking about some of the most memorable ones you’ve shared in the past. Compare the stories of how you first met, your first date, your most embarrassing moments or when you first knew you were in love. Keep things positive, loving or even a little silly as you chat.
- Play Together
Couples that play together stay together. Borrow your kids’ video games and play a racing tournament together or break out one of the hilarious, adults-only card games you keep hidden from little readers. Those who regularly engage in fun, entertaining activities with their partner are more likely to report happier, more positive feelings toward their spouse–and in their relationship.
- Collaborate on a Project
Chores or housework may not be your first choice when it comes to ways to spend quality time with your spouse, but it can be a great way to show off your power couple status and cross a bigger project that the two of you have been procrastinating off your list. You don’t have to collaborate only on chores, however. You and your partner can take on a fun project, such as painting a fun mural in the kids’ room, choosing a new rug for the bathroom or rearranging your bedroom for a fresh, new layout.
- Do Nothing
Sometimes the best way to spend time with someone you love is to do nothing at all. When the two of you find yourselves alone together, it can be a good idea to just sit down without any agenda and just enjoy one another’s company. When you’re overworked, exhausted and barely have time to see each other, just being next to your spouse can be enough to rekindle the flame in your roles as partners until it’s time to step back into your roles as parents.