Couples Who Play Together Stay Together

A new study out of the University of Denver showed that couples who have more fun time together also report more marital satisfaction and good feelings about their partner. This seems rather obvious I suppose, but the interesting thing is that for the most part couples are working very hard to be able to afford some fun and yet they aren’t taking any time to do that. In fact, another recent study found that couples are spending less time together than ever. Between trying to make a living in these tough economic times and being a very present parent, couples are finding it hard to make some “we” time. Sadly, the fact remains that no fun times may lead to real marital disaster, which besides being painfully tragic, costs a whole lot of money that most couples can afford even less.

In addition, men and women seem to have different definitions of fun. Men define play by a shared activity, like going to a game or playing tennis together. Women define play by getting to have intimate conversation like they would with a close friend. This means that each needs to know what fun is to the other and make some attempt to meld those two wishes.

Watching TV or being on the computer do not qualify as having fun together: They are really solitary experiences. Fun is best achieved through doing something new and even somewhat exciting! This builds great memories and a history together of good times. So try something you haven’t done before with your mate, stretch yourself and make it a little exciting, too (rock climbing anyone?) When time is short try cooking together while talking or going to the coffee shop for a quick cup.

* taken from: On the Couch with Dr. Gail Saltz *