All Work and NO Play makes for a dull marriage

We recently met with a couple, Josh & Kim, who asked us for help with their marriage. Eager to learn, they both came prepared with pens and notebooks and jotted down things to work on during our conversation together. We shared different ways to communicate and deal with their teenagers but the one thing we encouraged them to do above all else surprised them.

We suggested they shift their focus from working to playing.

They looked at bit confused but as we sipped our lattes, we assured them that while "working on issues" is important, sometimes we get in so thick that we can't see the forest through the trees. They needed to find their way back and having fun together, strengthening their friendship, is a safe path to take.

We also gave them an assignment that involved each of them writing down 3 things they like to do for fun.

BOOM... 6 date nights right there!

Once they heard us say that having fun isn't extra in marriage - it's essential - they let out a sigh of relief as if we just unlocked a new level for them.

Perhaps it's a good reminder for all of us...It's ok to give ourselves permission to rest from working on our marriage and simply enjoy playing together. Having fun isn't only for newlyweds it's what keeps our marriage fresh during all seasons of life and is something we can do anytime and anywhere!