Couples Sports.

There are lots of things you can enjoy together as a couple. Many of those things involve sports. Participating in a sport together can bring you closer and also be a fun activity to break up the everyday struggles of life. There are lots of sport to choose from, like golf, tennis, or dancing. However you might want to break away from the normal sports that the two of you can participate in and look for something different. Hiking, snorkeling, or weight lifting are sports that you don't do every day but they can build a relationship as you learn and become better at them. Turn it into a passion for the both of you. Research the gear you need compete in your new found love. Once the two of you are comfortable with your new activity you might want to look for other couples to enjoy it with also. Join group functions for you activity and get the big picture of how many others love it also. Not only will you forge new friendships but you will build the one between the two of you.

PIck a show and get into it together.

We all know that dating is important to us but have you ever set a date to watch a certain show each week? Try to find a show that you both enjoy and make a date to sit together and watch it each and every week. Any show will work from a version of CSI to house hunters on HGTV. Maybe it might be a sport for the two of you, say for instance you both a Red Sox fans then watching a game could be your forte. The idea of this is to get you in a regular routine of sitting down with each other with a common goal in mind. Not to mention this will bring you closer the more you get into the show. You might even find yourself discussing what might happen next in the show your conversing over the major issues of the show. As a couple you need to find things that you can do together as well as apart. Pick your shows and make it a date by adding snacks or drinks if you like and then snuggle down in your big chair and relax and watch together.

Affection in front of the kids (ewww yuck!)

Something that I think needs to be done in your relationship is to let your children know you are in love. Show each other affection in front of them. Now I am not talking about getting down and dirty. Save that for the bedroom or any other room as long as the little ones are asleep. However, let your young children know it is okay for the two of you to touch each other and be affectionate with each other. I don't ever remember seeing my parents touch, kiss or hold hands when I was growing up. I think that without such a vision in a young child’s mind he/she might think that it is not to be done. Or he/she may grow up to believe you shouldn't show that you care about someone in front of other people. It may sound crazy, but I can see this leading to a lot of problems in a relationship. Keeping the fact that you are attracted to each other away from your children gives them a different idea of what a relationship is! I think of all the domestic abuse in this country, and how many children see that. Far too often that child grows up to think it is okay or the norm.

Well, what if we reverse that? What if a child sees his/her daddy kiss his/her mommy or hold hands with her? Don't you think that will help a child grow up knowing that a relationship should be nurturing. Young children love to imitate their parents. Let’s start showing them how to care about one another. Heck maybe even someone else’s kids will see you holding hands or quickly kissing each other goodbye and see that is okay. From time to time your child might walk in on you during a little more intimate situation (come on you know what I mean- sex), and I think one thing that is important and maybe a little hard to do is not jump up right away like the two of you are doing something wrong. If you can slowly move apart and address the young child’s needs then explain to them that mommies and daddies need time alone together, you just might help them deal with similar situations when they are adults.

Be up front with your children in regards to love and relationships. Not only will they understand it better, but you will definitely help them out later in life. So many relationship problems and sexual problems can be traced back to parents. Don't be the one that makes your son feel like kissing his wife is wrong or the one that makes your daughter feel like sex is dirty. Use the right words and explain when they are curious and their future partners will thank you!

The Stars at Night Look Big and Bright (Click here to learn about constellations)

Here is a quickie that will be a wonderful event between you and your partner. Find some cushions, bean bag chairs, or even a blanket, and on the next clear warm summer night head outside. Arrange whatever sitting or laying device you have brought out and position it so that you can gaze skywards without straining your neck. Also, make sure that in this position you can touch or hold your partner. Then simply relax and enjoy the greatest light show in the universe. This is a great stress reliever also as it seems to put some perspective into your life. You could even brush up a little on your astronomy or even purchase a book showing the constellations so that you and your partner can enjoy trying to point them out to each other. If you have a quiet back yard, you might even bring out a little mood music or even just a taping of a waterfall or rain. But, first and foremost relax, take your time and enjoy searching the cosmos with your love.

Not a night person? You can do the same thing during a warm summer day, but instead of stars use clouds. Point out clouds and what their shapes look like to you, and then see what your partner sees in the same cloud. It is quite interesting to see the differences in your ideas. Don't be afraid to involve your children in this too. I love to hear the perspective of a young child, and this will bring you closer as a family, which will bring you closer as a couple.