The Power of Unplugging
Sometimes one of the worst distractions of your relationship are things many of us feel we can't live without: our cell phones, laptops and other electronics that keep us connected to the outside world.
I can't begin to count how many times I've said the phrase, "Will you please get off of your phone?" to Kevin. I also know there's been numerous times he's given me a sideways look when I'm on Facebook or Pinterest during times we designated to spend together just him and I.
Always having your phone or your laptop creates a bad habit of inviting distractions into your quality time and relationship with your spouse. For the health of our relationship, we've found it's in important to find time to unplug. No cell phones, no laptops, no nothing. Though we don't do it as often as we'd like, here are some ways we try to unplug from the outside world and plug into quality time with each other:
No cell phones in the bedroom. Our friends, Dara and Nick, once told us that they don't keep their cell phones in their bedroom at night. Part of me thought I'd never be able to do that - I'm naturally a worrier, so it took some getting used the idea that I couldn't be reached until morning. But man, what a difference! Keeping our phones out of our bedroom guarantees that we're focusing on just us in one of the most sacred, intimate places in our home. Pinterest can wait (I think). :)
Keep your television in a common area. Kevin and I have never had a TV in our room in three years of marriage and we likely never will. It's so easy to get sucked into a show and get into the habit of falling asleep to the sound of the TV rather spending distraction-free time together.
Leave your phones at home for short - or long! - periods of time. I know, I know. The thought seems unbearable, but not impossible! I don't think you realize just how many noises your phone makes throughout the day. Each ping says, "Hey! I need your attention right now!" and it's likely you'll give it, no matter where you are or what you're doing at the time. Take a walk with your spouse or go out to dinner without your phones and make a habit of doing it every day.
No electronics during date night. Nothing kills a mood quicker than, "Look at this new recipe I found on Pinterest!" or "Hang on, let me just watch a few basketball highlights."
How do you like to unplug? Any that we missed? Leave a comment below to share with us and readers.