Flourishing Relationships - Different directions

Do you sometimes feel like you and your partner are going in two different directions? Are you passing each other like ships in the night?

Two different directions

Unfortunately this can often happen , especially when both partners are working shifts, so that they get to see very little of each other.

In some ways this can work quite well, as it can mean that there is always one parent home for the children.

But what of the relationship between the two of you? This can be a real trap if your not careful. Closeness and intimacy can be sacrificed and the relationship suffers as a result. 

It is so easy to focus on bringing up the children and working to earn enough money to give the family a good life. It is so easy to forget about nurturing the primary relationship in the family, which of course is the relationship between the parents.

So what to do? Here are a few ideas for you to think about:

• Take some regular time out together without the children. Have a regular "date night out" or a weekend away.
• Have a serious look at your lifestyle. Are there things that you really don't need in your lives? In which case, get rid of them. De-cluttering can be very satisfying. 
• Are you providing your Children with too much stuff? Too many activities? Not enough of your time?
• Consider pruning your work hours, can you have a simpler, more satisfying life with less money? Less hours at work means more time together and isn't that valuable?

Life in the 21st century can drive you round the bend and damage your relationships if you let it. But only if you let it. The choice is yours.

Hilary Thompson
The Out and About Therapist
Facilitator at Flourishing Relationships Retreats