So often I hear stories either from individuals or couples about neglect in their relationship - taking each other for granted is common until things go very wrong. Only then the couple make an effort to save themselves, but by then it may be too late. Whilst busy with the mundanity of everyday life - the demands of jobs, children, household chores - they forget to invest in their relationship, and pay the ultimate penalty for their neglect - relationship bankruptcy.
This particularly occurs when two individuals are busy with their young family. They are parents and partners together and whilst caught up in the ever-increasing needs and demands of their young children, they often forget their own needs for mutual appreciation and for time set aside to be a couple together.
By choosing to find time for each other the balance can shift from 'all about everything else' to 'something special for the two of us'. Taking time out for each other will give you the chance to remember what it is like to be a couple again - set apart from the family you have made together.
This does not require grand gestures of gifts and weekends away. A care-free walk hand-in-hand on a summer's evening; a getaway camping trip to be close to each other and the elements; a 'date-night' now and then. These are a few simple ways to keep your couple connection alive - by making room for the 'us' you are making sound investment. In the home environment, a foot or back rub offered without needing to be asked; a spontaneous loving hug; an admiring glance; a warm smile - these are simple little gestures that can help keep the warmth and connection in your relationship; stolen moments away from the pressures of life. The children also benefit from seeing a wonderful demonstration of warmth and love, an example they can emulate when they are adults.
These simple measures can prevent the dissatisfaction that quickly leads to sniping and bickering - which can in turn lead to major unhappiness between you. In the hum-drum and excitement of life you can easily lose sense of why you are together and potentially lose each other. All human beings desire to be someone's 'special person' but for each of you to feel special needs investment from both sides.
Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike - J.K. Rowling