Connecting With Your Partner When You Are Both Busy

Working and trying to balance a healthy relationship with your partner can be challenging. Despite loving your career and wanting to succeed in it, you both want more than anything to have quality time with each other. The problem is, it can sometimes feel as if your careers take precedence over your relationship. While that may not be the case, it can feel like that when you don't see each other enough.

Working full-time can be challenging for romantic relationships when it's the primary focus for both partners. When the relationship is neglected, it can lead to conflicts, arguments, or splitting apart. You are both extremely busy, but with a little work, you can find ways to make time to enjoy each other's company.

Here is a guide on how to connect with your partner when you are both busy.

Take a Look at Your Schedules

One of the first ways to find some quality time together is to look at your work load for the week. At the beginning of the week, you'll likely know what nights you'll have to stay in the office longer or go to a dinner meeting. Comparing your planners for the work week will help you determine what night may be best to spend time together. You don't have to chunk out a four hour reserve, even one hour or two a night will help you feel connected to your partner. Even if you are only together for an hour as you are settling into bed, it can help you unwind from the day and feel ready to tackle the next work day.

Arrange a Mini-Date

Your busy schedules may not give you the time for dinner and a movie. But, there are still little things you two can do to keep love alive in the short gaps you have.

If your work schedule and commute times allow for it, try to meet up for lunch on your breaks. You can even have a mini-date before you go to work by drinking coffee or tea in the morning and talking about what you have to do that day. Many couples believe that you need to have grand gestures and big date nights out to spend quality time together. In actuality, it is often the smaller shared moments that mean the most.

Make the Most of Your Time

The short time you spend with your partner may make you feel sad because you wish it was longer. You could be feeling mad at the situation both you and your partner are in that there are not enough hours in the day.

Instead of dwelling so much on the little time you have, make the most of it. Try to get everything out in the open that you would like to tell your spouse. Cherish the times you laugh and smile together. When you wish each other to have a good day at work, give your partner a hug and take it all in. That way, these moments seem longer.

Remember that distance also makes the heart grow fonder. Spending too much time with your partner can make it hard to miss someone who is always there. You want those moments when you are apart to appreciate the time you have together even more.

This is Temporary

Thankfully, there always seems to be a change of pace when it comes to careers. You may find that in a few months, things have somewhat settled down with both of your careers. Even if there is not, you can take small steps now to ensure that, when you are less busy, you will have a strong relationship to come home to and enjoy.

Just like anything in life, telling yourself "this too shall pass" will help you feel better. This is just an obstacle in your relationship that will eventually subside.

If you and your partner are still struggling with finding time to spend together, speak to a therapist about couples' counseling. Contact me today to schedule your first appointment.