By bro Lee Tian Seng
Couples find it increasingly difficult to afford quality time together. If both are working full time, they are busy with the demands of their jobs. Couples with kids and aged parents to care for usually do not have much time for themselves. Couples might feel less connected over time. When couples stop talking to each another, several things could happen:
1. More misunderstanding over what the other says or does.
2. Tendency to get irritated with one another without knowing the reason.
3. Quick to snap at each other when there are some disagreements.
4. Feeling more stress when being together.
Before these small incidents become a big problem or conflict, one should seriously consider setting up time for daily check-in with each another.
It does not have to take a few hours for couples to stay in touch and updated. In your daily routine, find pockets of time when both of you can connect. If you are in the habit of waking up early, then you might want to have a morning prayer and breakfast together before the kids wake up or before going to work. Couples could use this time to share their cares and concerns with each another. Beware that you might need more time if you want to talk about a more complex issue. If you drive, you might want to take the time to chat with your spouse on the way to work to stay connected. A short walk together in a nearby park is also an excellent way to take in the fresh air and sunlight, and an opportunity to have a short uninterrupted conversation. Set a regular check-in time with each another at whatever time that is most convenient and comfortable for both of you.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
There is a time for everything and time for each another should be one of the priorities.
Couples will also find that they can overcome many challenges and problems if they continue to make effort to stay connected. By talking to each another, couples will understand each other better and be able to support each another when going through difficult times like when one loses a job or when one is suffering a major illness.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Do not be afraid to begin to find time to stay connected. You can begin by sharing the idea with your spouse about it and ask for his or her support. At first, you might not see results but over time, you will observe that your relationship will become closer and you will have less conflicts. Many couples have waited too long to stay connected, and their marriages suffer tremendously and become irreparable.