by Danielle Friedl

Created on: January 11, 2009

Whether you're just starting out, fresh off the honeymoon or you're celebrating your 15th anniversary there are few things more important in the health of a marriage to spend at least one night a week in each other's company. Just one evening to be the couple that you used to be and reconnect. One night to catch up on each other's lives and rediscover your relationship. For newlyweds this may seem silly but think about what you do when you're hanging out. Do you go out with a group of friends? Do you head out with the girls while he hangs back for poker night with the guys? Long-time marrieds with children know all to well about how work, kids and life take over.

Obviously it's better to start the weekly tradition of a night for you and your spouse very early in the marriage. Because marriage tends to take a backseat when you're bringing new life into the world it would be best to start this rule early - it will be easier to keep it up when the babies start arriving. Many newlyweds also have to adjust to living with their spouse and that can be stressful. A night to decompress over dinner and some drinks may open up the lines of communication and alter annoying habits that you both have before they become a real problem.

Couples who have been married for a while may not realize how much things have changed since they've had kids, moved to a new house, gotten new jobs and headed up the PTA. As the dynamics of the household change the relationship also changes. Individual people also change. The person you married who has become a parent, a homeowner and a partner in a business is not the young, fresh-faced, well-rested guy you dated. One night a week, together as a couple and not as mom, dad or Mr or Mrs. Corner Office can be an illuminating experience if you haven't done it before. You may find at first that you have nothing to talk about because you are usually a captive audience for your children. What the heck to you say when the conversation doesn't have to revolve around math homework or Spongebob? Give it time and eventually you will rediscover each other and begin a new relationship as new people.

Ok so there's no great mystery to the health and importance of making time for you and your spouse, right? It should go without saying that you should actually spend some quality time with the person you pledged to love until death do you part. For newlyweds or those without children it shouldn't be too much of a challenge to pick at least one night out of your

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