Dear Heather,
My wife and I have been happily married for 15 years. We have good careers, great kids, a supportive family and some amazing friends. Over the past several years we have become very close with one pair of our couple friends. We hang out with them on the weekend, go on short trips with them and sometimes meet up with them during the week to have dinner. I really enjoy them and they are absolutely our best friends. Recently, however, I feel like there is nothing that my wife and I do that doesn’t involve our friends. We don’t have any type of date night or outings that they are not a part of. I don’t want to hurt any feelings, but I miss time with her alone.
Do you have any suggestions on how I should approach this?
Missing My Wife
Dear Missing,
It is easy to get caught up in the fun that being with friends brings but some alone time, especially when you are noticing and missing it, is a wonderful and important part of a relationship as well. You should start by carving out some time to have a discussion with your wife. Let her know that you miss her and as much as you enjoy time with your friends, you also need some time with her alone. You can also initiate some dates that you intend to be solely for the enjoyment of you and your wife. Plan an evening at a special restaurant, make some time to go on a walk with one another, or plan a little weekend getaway for you and her to enjoy. I’m sure she will appreciate that as much as you’ll find fulfillment in doing so.
If you have a question for Heather, email her directly at HelpfulHints@thevailvoice.com
