Oh boy, is that true. But you don't have to take that to extremes. You can be apart but still in the house together.

My partner and I run our own business, so we do spend a lot of time together. We also do agency work to get a little extra cash in, and that involves working at the same factory together (although that's pretty good fun, as we get to hose the equipment down every day - well you know how it is, sometimes you miss and accidentally soak someone...). Anyway, we're together for a lot of the time.

But we do have solo time at the weekends. My other half will go and watch some television, and I'll go and have an hour long soak in the bath with a good book. It gives us both some space, and then we kind of 'meet up' for dinner in the evening.

Sometimes I'll wander into town on my own for a look round the shops, and I actually prefer it on my own - I quite often come back with a little surprise for my other half.

Everyone needs a little 'me' time, whether you're married or not. But it's easily forgotten when you get hitched, as all you want to do in the beginning is spend every waking (and sleeping) moment with that person.

But eventually everyday life gets in the way, and you settle into your routine together. What's important is not to get dejected or jealous when your partner suggests a little time doing solo activities. It's an important part of keeping your marriage healthy, and you should have some kind of hobby you can get stuck into on your own as well. If you love and respect each other, you can encourage each other's solo time and look forward to coming back together again afterwards, refreshed and ready to enjoy each other's company again.

Learn more about this author, Allison Whitehead.
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