How to Prioritize Your Relationship When You Have a Busy Schedule

You’ve got a big, important deadline for work at the end of the week. Your kids have tests to study for and projects to complete. The family to-do list keeps getting longer despite your best efforts to check items off. The daily demands never seem to end.

When you’re juggling this many items, your relationship with your partner can easily slide to a backseat position. You tell yourself you’ll reconnect once life starts to slow down a bit. However, the harsh reality is that life is busy, especially with children, and it doesn’t slow down without intentionality.

If you’re not careful, you can end up living in a parallel life with your partner. You’re in the same house, sharing responsibilities, but your emotional connection has disappeared. The good news is that shifting gears back towards your partner doesn’t take a huge time commitment.

Start with Quality Over Quantity

Prioritizing your relationship and reconnecting with your partner isn’t about spending a ton of hours together. It’s about the micro-connections made throughout the day in those brief moments. Brief moments can go a long way when they’re consistent.

Consider implementing small touchpoints where you can be fully present with each other. Take a few seconds in the morning to kiss your partner before you leave. Spend an extra moment during an embrace when you come home for the day.

These connections can serve as ways to be present with each other through the chaos. It’s a gentle reminder that you’re still thinking about each other.

Schedule Date Nights

When the relationship is new, date nights and activities are an exciting component. For some reason, once the relationship matures, date nights fall off the radar.

At the end of the day, the uncomfortable reality is that we all make time for what we find valuable. Start treating your relationship like a non-negotiable appointment. Block off recurring time frames on your calendar for date nights, even if it’s only once a month to start.

The key here is consistency. You don’t need to plan anything elaborate or expensive. There are plenty of ways you can be creative with date night, whether at home or out on the town. Find ways to bring that excitement back and nurture it as you move through each new chapter.

Build Connection Into Your Current Routines

Another option is to find opportunities in your existing routine where you and your partner can connect. Rather than create new time blocks, bring your partner into your schedule in new ways.

Wake up eight minutes earlier so you can cuddle with your partner before getting out of bed to start your day. Take the dog for a walk together rather than alternating. Plan partner workouts instead of always going to an exercise class alone.

When you’re really strapped for any extra time, use the everyday mundane tasks as a chance to reconnect. Make dinner together. Share in the dishwashing responsibilities. Take a trip to the grocery store together.

Establish Boundaries with Technology

Technology has many positive, helpful aspects, but it can also create unnecessary strain on your relationship. Cell phones make us readily available 24/7, email allows us to bring work home, and television distracts us from important social interactions.

Consider creating technology-free zones or times at home. Maybe you set the precedent that there are no phones at the dinner table. Perhaps you don’t allow television or cell phones in the bedroom leading up to bedtime.

This simple change will help increase your ability to be present with your partner.

Taking the Next Step

If you’ve tried these strategies but still feel disconnected, it might be time to explore couples counseling. Sometimes, constant busyness masks a larger underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

Whether you’re struggling with communication, trust, or just finding that connection again, we’re here and ready to connect. Reach out to us today.