You probably see your partner every day. You share the same house, maybe even the same bed, but how much time are you actually spending together? And more importantly, is it quality time?
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in work, social obligations, and other distractions that can take away from the time you should be spending with your partner.
But the truth is, that’s not a healthy practice. It may be working now, but it definitely is taking its toll on your relationship, and if you let it fester, it could lead to resentment and a crash in your relationship.
So, what can you do to ensure that you’re investing quality time into your relationship? In this post, we’ll explore six better things to do instead of not making time for your partner.
From putting your partner first to cultivating intimacy, we’ll offer practical tips and insights that you can use to strengthen your connection with your partner.
So, whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just starting out, read on to discover how you can create a deeper, more meaningful bond with your partner.
Learn About Your Partner
Sure, you know your partner. You know their favourite food and their favourite sweater. You know their favourite TV shows and movies. But is that where it ends?
As the years go on and your relationship grows older, you and your partner will naturally evolve and change.
It’s important to keep learning about who they’re becoming and what makes them tick. Not only does this show your partner that you’re interested in their life, but it also creates opportunities for new and exciting experiences together.
One way to learn about your partner is to have open and honest conversations. Ask them about their goals, dreams, and fears. Share your own as well. By having these conversations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your partner and what they want out of life.
You may even discover new things about each other that you never knew before.
In the end, learning about your partner is an ongoing process. It requires time, effort, and a willingness to be open and vulnerable with each other.
But by taking the time to learn about who your partner is becoming, you’ll deepen your connection and create a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.
Put Your Partner First
Putting your partner first is one of the essential ways to invest quality time in your relationship. When you prioritize your partner, you’re showing them that they are important to you and you value the relationship.
It’s crucial to know your priorities and understand that your partner should always be at the top of the list.
One way to prioritize your partner is to choose them.
Picture this: a friend wants to hang out after work and asks if you have plans. You do have plans for dinner with your partner, but surely, that can wait, so you say yes and go for drinks with your friend.
Does the situation sound like something you do or have done?
We’re all guilty of it. Making time for your partner means putting them above everything else. Your significant other should not be the one who gets the boot every time you need to make a change in your schedule.
Another way to put your partner first is to show appreciation and gratitude for them regularly.
Sometimes, in long-term relationships, we can take our partner for granted, and we forget to acknowledge the things they do for us.
Make it a habit to say thank you, give compliments, and show affection often.
Putting your partner first also means being there for them when they need you. Life can be unpredictable, and we all go through tough times.
Being a supportive partner during those moments can strengthen your bond and increase intimacy.
By prioritizing your partner and your relationship, you create a solid foundation for spending quality time together.
When your partner feels valued and appreciated, they are more likely to reciprocate those feelings and invest their time and energy into the relationship.
Make Room for Shared Experiences
You know how important it is to spend time with your partner, but how do you make that time count? One way to do so is by creating shared experiences that you both can enjoy.
These experiences can range from simple things like cooking together or going for a walk to bigger things like planning a trip together or taking up a new hobby as a couple.
The key is to find something that you both enjoy and can do together.
Shared experiences are important because they help to bond you together as a couple. When you do things together, you create memories and shared moments that you can look back on and cherish.
These experiences also help you to learn more about each other as you explore new things and try new activities together.
It’s important to make time for these shared experiences and prioritize them in your relationship. You can start by planning a weekly date night where you do something new and exciting together. Or, you can set aside time each month to plan a special outing or activity that you both can look forward to.
Whatever you do, make sure that you are making time for each other and creating these shared experiences that will help to strengthen your bond as a couple.
So, think about what you and your partner enjoy doing together and start planning some new experiences that you can share.
Whether it’s a small or big activity, the important thing is that you are making time for each other and building a stronger relationship through these shared experiences.
Put Your Phone Away
Sure, you know that spending time with your partner is important. But what makes the time you spend together to qualify as quality is the level of intentionality you put into it. That can’t happen if you’re distracted by devices each time you’re together.
This is why you must make it a priority to put your phone away and be present in the moment with your partner.
Think about it: when was the last time you went out to dinner with your partner without checking your phone? Or had a conversation without scrolling through social media?
Putting your phone away during date nights or quality time together can help you focus on the present moment, which in turn can improve the quality of your time together.
Plus, being constantly connected to our devices can cause unnecessary stress and distractions in our lives.
By unplugging and spending quality time with your partner, you can reduce stress levels and enjoy each other’s company without any external distractions.
So, the next time you’re spending time with your partner, make an effort to put your phone away and be fully present in the moment. Trust me; it will be worth it in the end.
Plan and Set up a Ritual That You Both Enjoy
If you feel like you and your partner are drowning in the routine of everyday life, then use the same routine everyday life to your advantage. Create a ritual for just the two of you!
Consider setting up a ritual that you both enjoy, like a weekly date night or a monthly hiking trip. My partner and I volunteer together at a shelter once every two weeks. It’s a great time every time.
These activities not only provide an opportunity for quality time together but also help to create new shared experiences and memories.
Think about the things that you both enjoy doing or something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet. It could be anything from trying a new restaurant, cooking together, or taking a dance class.
Find an activity that you both look forward to and prioritize it regularly.
Planning a regular ritual together also helps to create a sense of anticipation and excitement for the time you’ll spend together.
Knowing that you have a special activity planned can help break up the monotony of day-to-day life and give you both something to look forward to.
Finally, make sure to be intentional with your time together during these rituals and focus on enjoying the experience with your partner.
Learn New Things Together
A great way to spend quality time together is by learning something together! It’s a great way to bond, and you might even discover a new passion or interest that you never knew you had.
Taking a class together is a great option, whether it’s a cooking class, dance class, or even a language class. You can learn a new skill while spending quality time with your partner, and it can be a fun way to mix up your routine.
Another option is to explore a new hobby together. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try hiking or rock climbing, or perhaps you’re interested in photography or painting.
Whatever it is, finding a new hobby that you can both enjoy can be a great way to spend quality time together and learn something new at the same time.
Learning new things together can also help you to grow as a couple. It can be a chance to challenge yourselves, support each other, and work towards a common goal.
By stepping outside of your comfort zones, you’ll learn more about each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at what you can accomplish together. The couple that learns together stays together!
A Final Word: Make Time for the One You Love
You’ve learned six better things to do instead of not making time for your partner, and hopefully, you feel inspired to put them into practice.
Remember, making time for your significant other is not just about spending time together but about creating meaningful moments that strengthen your bond.
So, put down your phone, plan date nights, try new things together, and make room for shared experiences.
These small changes can make a big difference in your relationship, and your partner will appreciate the effort you put into keeping your connection strong.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to prioritize your relationship and make time for the person you love. So, take action today and start investing in your relationship in meaningful ways.
Your partner will thank you, and you’ll reap the benefits of a happy and fulfilling relationship.