Date nights for overbooked parents
(HealthDay)—You might not think it's possible to squeeze a date night into your hectic schedule, especially if your family includes young children.
But "The Date Night Opportunity" report from the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia states that making time for just the two of you is a must for a healthy relationship.
Couples who are able to carve out together time at least once a week are much more likely to enjoy a high-quality relationship and have a lower likelihood of divorce than couples who don't make the time to be with each other. Specific benefits to the marriage include greater commitment to each other, a higher degree of communication and a more satisfying sex life.
How you spend your couple's time matters, too. Couples who have higher "relationship quality" do more than simply go to dinner and a movie. They enjoy activities that are new and exciting and allow them the opportunity to de-stress and engage with each other—from hiking to dancing to travel. But it can even be something as low key as playing card games.
The researchers found that carving out couple time is particularly valuable for those who aren't involved with activities within their community or church and those who need to feel a greater commitment to each other.
The researchers also point out that all couples can benefit, regardless of whether they have children. So get out your calendar and plan that date right now.
More information: Check out other studies from the University of Virginia's National Marriage Project to learn more about how to keep the romance in your relationship.
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