More and more couples find it almost impossible to get any time alone together, and their relationships suffer as a result. Relationships need feeding and nurturing. It is no good finding your ideal partner and leaving it at that. If you want your relationship to grow and to last, it has to have your undivided attention, at least sometimes.

If you both work long hours in demanding jobs, you will find that your time for each other has to go in your diaries, and be as carefuly protected as a meeting with an important client. Your partner is the most important person in your life, and can have priority at times. Even your parents must come second.

Parents of young children specially need time to talk and be private. When you have a small baby who never sleeps, accept that the relationshi[p between you will have less attention for a while. As soon as you can, start getting baby sitters for even one hour, so you can have time alone together. It is OK to lock your bedroom door. Children do not have a right into your private relationship time.

If finding time is impossible, why? Do you really both want to be in the relationship? Should you be changing your life style? A therapist might be able to help with these questions and others.