Time-out!

Julie: Let’s be honest—life gets busy. Between work, kids, errands, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s so easy for your marriage to slip down your list of priorities. You’re not alone if you’ve ever looked at your spouse at the end of a long day and realized you haven’t really connected, maybe not even had a real conversation, in days or even weeks. But here’s the thing – taking a time-out for your marriage isn’t just something that’s nice to do. It’s the foundation that keeps everything else in your life running smoothly.

Think about it like this—marriage is a living thing. Just like you wouldn’t neglect your houseplants and expect them to keep growing, you can’t ignore your relationship and hope it will thrive on autopilot. Taking intentional time out for your spouse helps you both recharge, reconnect, and remember why you chose each other in the first place. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a week-long vacation (though those are great, too!). Sometimes, it’s as simple as 15 minutes together over coffee in the morning, a walk after dinner, or a regular date night, even if it’s just a movie on the couch with your phones put away.

GET AWAY

Julie and I recently attended a day-long seminar focusing on our marriage. Making each other the focus of an entire day and taking a deep-dive into our most vulnerable selves brought us a closeness that is difficult to even describe. It was like going back to our dating years when no topic was untouched, and we would wile away the hours just getting to know each other on a deeper level.

When Julie and I take a time-out for our marriage, we’re investing in our own happiness as well as each other’s. Studies have shown that couples who regularly spend quality time together are happier, more fulfilled, and experience less stress than when they are not. When we have attended other marriage retreats, we’ve had the chance to talk, laugh, and share memories. We’ve also been able to tackle challenges as a team.

FIND OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Julie: Every couple is unique. What works for one might not work for another. For us, it’s going for a hike or just snuggling on the couch. Maybe your “together time” looks like cooking a meal, tackling a home project, or playing a game. The key is to make it intentional. Put it on the calendar if you have to, and treat it like any other important appointment. After all, your marriage deserves that level of respect and attention.

Life will always be busy, and there will always be reasons to put your relationship on the back burner. When John and I carve out even a little time each day, it sends a powerful message to each other: “You matter. We matter.” In the long run, those small moments have added up to a stronger, healthier marriage for us —one that has been able to weather the ups and downs of life. So, the next time you’re tempted to skip that date night or put off that conversation, remember that investing in your marriage is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your spouse, and your family.

JUST DO IT!

John & Julie: So go ahead—schedule that coffee date, book a retreat, take that walk, or just sit together quietly for a few minutes. Your marriage will thank you for it – ours certainly does. 😊

Looking for a way to increase the love and romance in your marriage???

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience gives married couples the opportunity to get away from life’s distractions and focus on each other. You’ll hear from a “Presenting Team” of married couples as they talk about their own real-life stories.

The emphasis of the Experience is on the communication between husbands and wives. Each couple will have their own personal space for private conversation.

Topics covered at a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience include:

How your individual personality style affects your marriage
A communication technique called ‘dialogue’
The art of listening
Things that influence your marriage – expectations, culture, upbringing, etc
The stages of relationship: Romance, Disillusionment and Joy
The connection between faith and marriage
Five Tools for keeping your relationship a priority
The specific communication technique called ‘dialogue’ is a practical tool that you will learn to use, and one that you can continue to use at home.

After the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience, couples return to their life and families refreshed with renewed commitment to each other. Every marriage deserves that kind of attention!

For more information or to register for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter near you, visit: http://www.wwme.org.