Life happens. We all know it does. But lately, life has been happening a lot. It had been over a year since my husband and I spent more than 24 hours together without our children — and we were feeling it. Exhausted by the daily grind, we were running in 24 different directions between work, kids, and everything else. We hadn’t had time to connect, let alone have a full conversation without a three-year-old interrupting or an eight-year-old needing a ride to another practice.
But then, finally, there was light at the end of the tunnel: six glorious days away, just the two of us.
Our anniversary trip had been delayed due to a recent move, but it couldn’t have come at a better time. We were so grateful for the support from friends and family that made this trip possible (thank you, village!). And now, I want to remind anyone reading this who might be nodding along: take the trip, too. You deserve it.
Happiness Ensues
Research shows that people experience nearly double the happiness when they’re with their spouse compared to when they’re alone. Now, I know there are times when being alone is essential — believe me, once the kids are asleep, my husband and I often head to separate corners of the house to decompress from a day of constant stimulation. But taking time for just the two of you, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a few hours together at home without the kids, can be a game-changer.
Reconnect and Rediscover
My husband often reminds me (and many of our friends) that couples who hold hands are 70 percent happier (through his research, I assume). Not that we don’t do this at home, but on our trip, just the two of us, I found myself wanting to hold his hand more often. We went hiking, strolled around our hotel, explored new towns — and I found myself smiling, hand in hand, enjoying the simplicity of being together.
Talk it Out
Six days together. That’s a lot of time to fill! Two days in, we started laughing because so much of our usual conversation revolved around our kids. We had fun uncovering new topics and asking each other random questions. This trip marked our 13th wedding anniversary, and you’d think there wouldn’t be much left to learn about each other. But thanks to Pinterest’s fun question lists, I discovered all sorts of things — like the color of the decor in my husband’s childhood bedroom (purple, by the way) and his favorite high school teacher.
Destress and Decompress
Our trip took us to California, three hours behind our usual time zone. I worried that the time difference would leave us exhausted, but it turned out to be the opposite. From the moment we boarded the plane (helped along by a mid-air cocktail), we felt a wave of relaxation. The sheer joy of getting away allowed us to destress. We left behind work, kids, and daily responsibilities and focused solely on each other.
Take the Trip: A Gentle Nudge
This is your nudge. I’m not saying that time away is a magic fix for all problems, but for us, it was transformative. I forgot how vital time alone is, and this trip was a powerful reminder of its importance in keeping our marriage strong. Life can get in the way, but we now understand that prioritizing time together is crucial, not only for our relationship but for ourselves as individuals and as parents.
So, take the trip, plan the date, and hold hands more often. It might just be the reset you need.
