Believe it or not—a happier marriage means a happier household. Marriage should be the top priority for husbands and wives if they want to raise secure and resilient children.
Often, when we give birth to a beautiful baby, we think their well-being should be a priority. While raising children will occupy much of our time, they should not be the reason for neglecting our spouses. When both partners feel valued, supported, and loved in a marriage, it can positively affect their household.
Jamie and Josh, who have been married for 7 years now, shared with Smart Parenting that they always set aside time for each other, even after having 3 kids: "It's important to spend quality time with your husband because it renews your love for each other and strengthens your friendship in marriage."
"The best quality time as a couple is to spend time without distractions: no phones, no chores, no work stuff, and no kids. We find it helpful to connect with each other every day, either going out for a day or even just having a 5-minute uninterrupted conversation," they added.
Ways to spend quality time with your partner
Here are some ways to spend quality time with your partner and why it is vital for your marriage:
1. Set regular date nights every week.
Date nights don't have to be grand and costly. Setting aside quality time together and treating it as a non-negotiable commitment, just like any other necessary appointment, will remind you that your spouse should be the topmost priority, even after having children.
2. Show love according to your love languages daily.
Communicate with your spouse about which of the five love languages appeals most to you so they know how to respond to your needs. Is it words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, or physical touch? Know your spouse's love language and find ways to reciprocate it with them.
For example, my love languages are gifts and words of affirmation. My spouse sends me messages through chats, simple notes, or letters. My husband prefers acts of service, so I try to serve him during meals or give him a massage when he needs it.
3. Schedule unplugged quality time.
If you want to break bad habits, make the trigger invisible. I learned that from James Clear's book Atomic Habits. We might be too inclined to use technology without recognizing that we're becoming glued to it. Hide your gadgets in drawers or cabinets to make them invisible for some time.
Try doing a social media fast together and replace it with good habits of face-to-face conversations.
READ ALSO: Unplugged Parenting: 10 Days Without My Phone And The Surprising Revelations
4. Show random acts of kindness and appreciate what your partner does for you.
Surprise your partner with small, thoughtful gestures to brighten their day. It could be leaving a heartfelt note for them to find, preparing breakfast in bed, or doing a household chore they dislike. Random acts of kindness demonstrate that you care and are thinking of them. On the other hand, note what your spouse does for you and remind yourself to appreciate the little things they do. When we understand these little gestures, we wouldn't expect too much from them, and we will recognize that they do so many things for us.
5. Create a bucket list of things you can do together.
List all the ideas that you want to do together so that the next time you feel bored and want to do something, you'll go back to this bucket list. It's fun when you do it together so you'll know which activities you will really enjoy.
Where to take your partner for quality time together
Here are top-recommended places where you can bring your spouse for quality time together:
1. Bayview Park Hotel (Php 2704)
Booking a hotel room with your spouse diverts your mind from everyday routines to a bit of honeymoon time. It allows you to recharge your connection and strengthen your bond as a couple. Book Bayview Park Hotel to enjoy the cultural and historical view while enjoying quiet times together. It is near the National Museum, Intramuros, and Rizal Park.
2. Lunch Buffet with Swimming Pool Access at Berjaya Hotel Makati (Php 550)
Rekindle your pre-marriage date activities, and remember when you were just the two together. Take your spouse to this much-recommended and affordable buffet at a sophisticated hotel in the Metro. For only Php 550, you can have a lunch buffet and free access to the hotel's swimming pool.
3. A 60-Min Full Body or Foot Massage with Buffet at Wensha in Pasay, Timog & Banawe (Php 756)
Have a relaxing, unplugged weekend at the Wensha spa. Recharge your weary body with a 60-minute full-body massage and unwind in the steamy sauna and Jacuzzi. Aside from that, you also get to enjoy an eat-all-you-can meal of Filipino, Chinese, and Italian cuisines at their buffet station.
4. A 3-Day & 2-Night Stay in Sagada & Banaue with Accommodation, Tours & More (Php 3899)
One of the most romantic places in the Philippines is in Baguio. With its temperature and climate, you'll always have the feel of "cuddle weather." Leave your children with your parents or a trusted babysitter and have a quick getaway with your spouse.
The tour already includes accommodation at Sagada Homestay Inn and a day tour which consists of a picture-taking at Banaue View Point and seeing Banaue Rice Terraces, spelunking in Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves, visiting St. Mary's Church, Echo Valley, and Hanging Coffins, trekking at Aguid Rice Terraces or Bomod-Ok Falls, souvenir hunting or orange picking (depending on the season), and more.
5. Intramuros Pass (Php 215)
Going on a date to a historic place can be a fantastic and unique experience. Exploring history together can lead to introspection and deeper conversations about life, values, and personal histories. It encourages both partners to open up and share their perspectives. It can also evoke personal emotions that leave you with a sense of awe and connection.
6. Luljetta's Hanging Gardens Spa Day Pass (Php 1150)
Over 10,000 people have booked this day pass as it is much-recommended by known travelers. Discover the Philippines' first and only hanging gardens and spa, located in Antipolo City. Take advantage of the stunning view from Laguna de Bay. Savor their delicious meal after your treatment, and finish with their famous rice cake.
The best gift you can give your children is the sense of security they have within your home by taking good care of the foundation of your home, which is your marriage.
What other parents are reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
