How to Nurture a Relationship During Busy Times

When you're busy with the stress of day to day living, work, children and/or parents, it is often too easy to forget about the people who are dearest to you. Relationships need care and nurturing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. View your relationship as a team effort. Each of you brings different strengths, ideas and perspective to the union. Value and respect the differences.
2. Work things out as they arise. Don't let problems simmer so your partner has to guess at what is bothering you. Many fewer hurt feelings occur if you deal with issues immediately and honestly.
3. Listen. Busy and tired as you are, everyone needs to listen and be listened to. Try to take the other's perspective and view things from their side. Be empathetic.
4. Pay attention. Spend time alone together. Cooperate. Ask for help when you need it. Share responsibilities and reevaluate the division of labor as needed. Make it a cooperative, not a contest.
5. Maintain your health and your sense of humor. Nothing is perfect all of the time and relationships will have their ups and downs.
6. Don't go to bed angry. Even if you agree to disagree on an issue, be willing to make up.
7. Plan to spend some special time together once you are through the hectic period. Looking forward to having something to do together that you both enjoy will help you get through the difficult times.