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Quality Time

Couple painting a wall doing a DIY project

5 Projects to Take On Together

By Connection, Quality Time3 Comments

Do you have a list of projects on your mind at all times? There’s the self-initiated ones that just never seem to get done. The unwanted-yet-necessary ones that pop up unexpectedly. The pipe-dream projects that only live in your head and the should-do’s that hang over it. It can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to let these seemingly endless tasks take over all your free time and energy.

Luckily, there are ways to feel more balance and less stress when it comes to those “projects”. Read More

Your Go-To Date Night Guide

Your Go-To Date Night Guide

By Quality Time, Relationship BasicsNo Comments

How would you describe your date style? Is it more “tried and true” or “try something new?” Or maybe it’s more along the lines of “whatever we can squeeze in.” The truth is, there’s not really just one correct way to do date night – the most important part is that you’re doing it!

That being said, sometimes your usual thing just isn’t what you want or need. Other times you might find yourselves in situations or seasons of life that require a different kind of date. Then there’s the matter of actually making date night happen amidst the realities of your busy day-to-day. Oh, not to mention how to keep the conversation flowing and meaningful!

No need to stress. We’ve got your back with this go-to guide for all things date night. Read More

The Secret to Going on More Dates

The Secret to Going on More Dates

By Quality Time3 Comments

It’s no secret we believe in dating your spouse all throughout your marriage. We’ve shared lots of tips to help you make that happen – from planning ahead to making it a habit to being creative about fitting more dates into your current flow of life. But there’s one simple tip to help you and your spouse go on more dates. Start tracking them!

That’s right. Whether your goal is to go on a weekly date or to hit a certain number within a certain time, coming up with a way to visibly track your dates is a great way to turn a nice “idea” into a concrete, achievable goal. It could be a grid you color in, calendar-style boxes you cross out, or a list of dates that you check off. Get as creative as you want, or keep it simple – whatever floats your boat.

Need more reasons to get onboard? Keep reading… Read More

A Family in Winter Clothes Walking on a Snow-Covered Ground

Cultivating Connection During the Holiday Chaos

By Connection, Quality Time4 Comments

The holiday season can be a bit of a conundrum for many couples and families. You might envision cozy, relaxing time spent with loved ones, slowing down as the year wraps up and you prepare for the start of a new one. Reality can look quite different, as the holidays can often end up busy, chaotic, and stressful.

Between prepping for (and then attending) all the gatherings, parties, and celebrations, trying to squeeze in all the activities and traditions, while also traveling or hosting family and friends… phew, it’s a lot! On top of that, there is the pressure to make all of these things memorable and meaningful instead of just things to be done.

A strong sense of connection with your spouse and family is the glue that holds everything together. Without it, it can seem like you’re just going through the motions. So how can you cultivate connection amidst the holiday chaos? We’ve got some tips. Read More

Couple with Pile of Gifts to give back Among Rows of Fir Trees

5 Reasons to Give Back (Together)

By Connection, Quality TimeNo Comments

This time of year we talk a lot about gratitude and thankfulness, which are great concepts to keep top of mind year round. Research has shown that feelings of gratitude alone can have positive effects on a person’s wellbeing. But that doesn’t mean it has to stop there! Have you considered how you might turn simply being grateful into something more? You probably already know the answer.

Giving back, donating, volunteering, pitching in – whatever you want to call it – is not only great at an individual level, it’s also an experience you can share with your partner. Beyond the obvious benefit of doing something good for others or for your community, here are five more reasons to give back together. Read More

Young couple having picnic on sandy beach

6 Dates to Master Throughout Marriage

By Connection, Quality Time3 Comments

You and your spouse will go on a lot of dates throughout the course of your marriage – at least we hope you will! After all, continuing to date each other helps you nurture connection, friendship, and intimacy in your relationship, which can wane over time if you’re not careful.

Depending on the season of your marriage, maintaining a habit of dating will require varying amounts of effort and intention. Sometimes, it’ll be easy. You’ll have plenty of time for dates and few considerations to plan around. Other times, you might feel as if you barely have time to sip a cup of coffee together in the morning.

Luckily, different kinds of dates can meet the changing needs that arise as you navigate various life and relationship phases together. If you’re unsure what we mean, keep reading as we explore six kinds of dates to master throughout your marriage. Read More

Couple relaxing on the beach

4 Tips for a Fight-Free Vacation

By Conflict, Quality Time4 Comments

This is it. You’re finally doing it. You’re going on vacation, just you and your spouse. You can’t even remember the last time, it’s been so long. Will it be everything you dreamed of? Or will you get into a fight on the way to the airport, setting the tone for the rest of the trip?

If you’re like a lot of couples, taking a vacation just the two of you is a rare treat. So when it happens, the last thing you want is for this cherished time to be spoiled by unnecessary conflict. With that in mind, here are some tips for ensuring you and your spouse have the best time possible on your next getaway. Read More

Couple holding hands while strolling on road in woods

How to Stay Connected Without Shared Interests

By Connection, Quality Time11 Comments

Do you and your spouse share interests or hobbies? If so, that’s great! Spending quality time together doing things you both enjoy probably comes easily to you. This is a relationship strength that will help you stay connected and nurture your friendship throughout your marriage. But what if your interests don’t converge? Are you doomed to drift apart? We don’t think so. In fact, maintaining separate interests and your individual sense of identity can be good for your relationship, too. It’s all about balance.

Let’s explore some tips for staying connected when you don’t share many interests. Read More

Couple celebrating Valentine's Day

3 Ways to Embrace Valentine’s Day Differently This Year

By Connection, Quality Time4 Comments

There’s certainly some truth to the idea that Valentine’s Day is a manufactured holiday that coerces us to spend oodles of money on special chocolates, lackluster flowers, heart-shaped pizza, and jewelry we’re not even sure we want. A quick internet search will tell you that Americans spend somewhere between $20-30 billion on Valentine’s Day. That’s a lot of money to spend to show your love. And it’s not just money! The holiday brings all kinds of other pressure, too. Pressure to connect, feel close, and be head over heels in love with your partner.

Between that pressure and the money you’ll spend, it’s easy to say to your spouse, “Hey, this year, let’s just skip the whole ‘Valentine’s’ thing. We know we love each other, so let’s save the money and avoid the hoopla.”

But should you? Read More

Couple warming hands by the fire in front of cabin surrounded by snow

5 Meaningful “Now & Later” Gift Ideas

By Connection, Quality Time4 Comments

What makes a gift meaningful? Honestly, it probably depends on the person. It could be expensive or free, functional or frivolous, as long as it’s given with intention and thoughtfulness – and makes the recipient feel known, loved, and/or holds sentimental value.

There’s no shortage of meaningful gift ideas out there; you’ve probably given and received some yourself. So we decided to put a spin on it with these two-part gift ideas for your partner. Each one has a component to enjoy right now and another to be saved for later or carried into the future. Let’s get started: Read More