Taking Time To Vacation Can Strengthen Marriage

Just Be Sure to Leave the Blackberry Out of the Bedroom -- Today’s hyper-busy lifestyle can take its toll on relationships as evidenced by high divorce rates in the United States. According to a recent survey by VacationBetter.org, seventy-two percent of respondents listed time away with their spouse as one of the best ways to reconnect and rekindle romance within the marriage. And regular vacations are an important part of a couple’s overall “leisure portfolio.”

There are warning signs to look for when a marriage (or other committed relationship) may be in need of a vacation. Evaluate where priorities of the relationship fall compared to other influences such as work, family and friends, or outside hobbies. Make sure attention to each other and the other’s needs are equally distributed. Is one more distracted then the other – or is work taking over the marriage completely? Stress can lead to a major disruption in marriage and it’s important to evaluate the causes of stress and its source. Finally, how much quality time is being spent together and alone? The less quality time a couple spends together, especially on a relaxing vacation with no outside influences, the more the lines of communication start to fall apart.

Take the 10-question quiz developed by Dr. Fraenkel to see if you and your spouse are in need of a vacation.

Vacation is a perfect time to learn the art of living in the present. Focus on the joy of being together – in the moment. It is not the time to plan for the future, but a time to indulge in love. Even the planning can help to bring couples together with a shared purpose, providing an enjoyable goal to work toward together.