"What is the use of running when we are not on the right road?"
--- Proverb

"Being over-scheduled is the biggest killer of romance, because when we're tired and frazzled we have nothing left for each other."
--- D.P., Washington

Romance...for all the wonderful things it is; for keeping the spark alive; for keeping your relationship vital and interesting. It takes time: Time together to nurture a relationship, to enhance it, and keep it flourishing – time which is all too precious for many couples.

More and more couples are in two-career households, and, at the end of the day, they return to their "third career," their homes. This involves child care, as well as cleaning, cooking and laundry. The parent at home also experiences pressures and demands that can, at times, seem to leave little room for romance.

By establishing priorities and setting goals, by making better use of the time they have, and by creating time they thought they didn't have, couples can find more time for each other.

Establish Priorities

Every task doesn't have to be completed at once. Set priorities and be sure that one of them is for sharing some private time with your partner

• Set aside one night a week... it's yours...no appointments, no interruptions
• Plan your weekends in advance...by the month
• Plan your vacations and put them on the calendar IN INK... don't wait "until there is time"
• Unplug the phone and turn on the answering machine

Make a Date

Even if you've been together for a long time, there is no reason to give up the excitement and fun that comes with the anticipation of looking forward to a planned evening or activity. And, by making dates, you'll set aside the special time your relationship thrives on.

Plan a specific night each week or each month for your special date. Once scheduled, treat the commitment as if it were set in concrete.

Sometimes you need to clear the calendar – say "NO" to some outside activities; stop the world and take a vacation day

Or you can make little dates as well:

• Meet at lunchtime for a quiet meal together
• Meet after work at a restaurant for a drink and appetizers before dinner
• Go for a walk
• Brown bag it at a local museum
• Stay home, but instead of cooking dinner, order in
• Get up earlier than normal and have breakfast together