|
|
Fourteen Romantic
"Time-Outs" for Parents
by Susie Michelle Cortright
Here are fourteen spontaneous time-outs, specially designed to help you
pay the small attentions that are so integral to lasting intimacy.
Day One
Spend 15 minutes kissing. Many married couples report that the simple
act of kissing is the first part of intimacy to disappear. Today,
recapture the power of the smooch.
Day Two
Today, declare a personal moratorium on criticism. Pay attention to the
number of negative thoughts you have about the actions of your spouse.
How critical are you? How does being critical make you feel? Even when
we don't give voice to our criticism, it drains our energy and keeps us
focused on negative thoughts.
Day Three
Call, email, or write your mother-in-law (or send a simple bouquet of
flowers). Let her know how grateful you are for her child.
Day Four
Spoon.
Day Five
Reflect on your first date with your mate, writing down as many details
as you can remember. Now make plans to recreate it.
Day Six
Spend tonight in your guest room. Pretend that you and your spouse are
on a romantic vacation in a distant port.
Day Seven
What's your spouse's favorite cookie? Bake a batch.
Day Eight
Tape-record a love message--sexy or sentimental--on a cassette tape. Put
it in your spouse's car with a Post-it note that says "Play Me."
Day Nine
Declare today a Forgiveness Day. Are you holding a grudge, however deep,
about something your mate has done or said? Get to the bottom of it
today. Then work on letting it go.
Day Ten
Assess your listening skills with your spouse. Just for today, slow down
and try not to interrupt.
Day Eleven
Write a note and stash it where you know your spouse will find it some
time throughout the day. This can be as simple as a lipstick kiss on a
folded napkin or as elaborate as an original poem. (For a special touch,
fold a Hershey's kiss inside.)
Day Twelve
Leave a sexy voice message on your mate's voicemail.
Day Thirteen
List all the reasons you love your mate. For 15 minutes, just let your
pen move. Don't stop to think too hard about the task. Just write. Then
present your list.
Day Fourteen
Ask the kids to write down a few of the things they love about their
father. Encourage them to be as specific as possible. Write them down on
slips of paper, put them in an envelope and place it on your husband's
dashboard for a heartwarming surprise.
Now spend some time creating your own 15-minute romantic gifts for one
another.
About the author
Susie Michelle Cortright is the author of Rekindling Your Romance after
Kids and founder of Momscape.com, where busy moms find balance. Visit
today for her free-course-by-email "Six Days to Less Stress" as well as
special offers on affordable luxuries and tips to help you be the best
mom you can be: www.momscape.com
|
|
