Most of us have never-ending sources of stress in our lives. That’s called Life. But if we don’t pay attention, all that outside pressure from work, family, and other obligations can take a major toll at home, where we have the most intimate and important relationships. Sure, there are lots of little things you can do along the way to keep an even keel, but once or twice a year it’s smart to give your relationship some serious TLC and plan a vacation. In fact, I consider getaways relationship-mandatory (our recent trip to Florida is proof!). Here’s why:
1. There’s nothing to think about except each other. No traffic. No bills. No work. If you have kids and are lucky to have family to watch them for a few days, take advantage and leave them home. A few days alone helps couples feel like a couple again. When you reconnect, you create greater intimacy and have more time to talk about life in a different way.
2. Vacations break up the monotony. The routines of life—which are necessary in their own way—often become too routine. The result? Boredom. Relationships can easily slip from the front of the line to the back.
3. They give you something to look forward to. The planning process can be fun and eventful as you work together to find new places to explore and things to do. You remember, “We’re in this together.”
4. The whole point is to have fun!
5. You create new memories. Collecting experiences and memories brings us greater joy and happiness than collecting things.
6. You deserve it. You work really hard. You handle a lot. Now it’s time to put some much-needed energy back into yourself and your relationship. And while it’s wonderful to be able to jet off somewhere warm and beachy, the place you go is almost beside the point. If money’s tight, send the kids off to Grandma’s for the weekend and make plans to do all the things in your town or city you never have time for. Or stay in bed all weekend and watch movies together. As long as you’re focusing on each other, you’ll get an instant relationship reset—and feel closer than before.
