Is it important to have "couple time"?

[bettiejane]

How important is that you & your partner spend time together doing something together(not sex) without the kids. What do u do?and how often do u spend time together without tv etc.
Do u find it has improved your relationship?

I think it is important. For the first few years we didn't make an effort. Then we realised that all we talked about were practicalities so we do lots of stuff now.
It's nice.
You have to continue to see each other as people you like , not just the family role.

I think its very important.

I like to go out with DH for dinner once a month really and ideally get the odd night away together - makes such a difference to our relationship.

But DH works very long hours so isn't around a great deal - would perhaps be different if he was home at 5pm and didn't work weekends.

Yes, I think it's very important - even if it's just an hour in a pub or something. Or watching TV counts, I think, as long as you're watching it together, not one with the laptop and one with the newspaper. But you need quality time, definately - and I know from experience how easy it is to let it slip.

I would say crucial otherwise it is too much like living with a brother rather than a husband.

Dejavu - that's exactly how I describe it! DH and I had slipped into this pattern of sibling-like closeness and a flatmate-ish approach to chores sharing, plus parenting, so there was not much of 'us' left.

Simple things have helped - like getting into a dvd series, and actively watching together as Hassled says. And going out together once a month - gym or something.

Now that our kids are older we walk the dog (almost)every evening together.
Couple time is VERY IMPORTANT! (sorry to shout) but we had grown apart and needed to 'discover' each other again.