It is also important in all relationships to have individual interests and also find and enjoy mutual interests. The joy of having a mutual interest is that time is spent doing what truly makes you happy. It is worth sitting down and exploring a mutual interest and getting involved in it.

I think quality time together looks different depending on what stage you are at. When our children where smaller quality time for us was time to talk about anything – work, kids etc. With our children now older and doing their own thing there is less to talk about so I’m concerned about the quality of our conversations.

We have always booked in date nights and getaways and always followed through with them. Once date nights and getaway are booked in and established, they really do become days and times to look forward to during a week or month. The key is to talk about and agree on the things and places you like to do at these times.

I always find it helpful to rather than looking at frustrations look in the positives ; you may see the hard worker, a person who’s trying his best, you may see the loving father, the loving son of his parents, you may see someone who’s faithful and a helper, you may feel pride, love and respect. Speak words of affirmation and love and connect where you can.

I must say if my hubby was happy to sit and watch Netflix with me, I would be happy enough with that. We’ve been married for 15 years and we quite often do our own thing of a night. It is hard to spend quality time. I find the best time spent for us is when we go away for a weekend or we go hiking.

Trying to be kind to each other in times of frustration and lack of patience. I try to keep in mind that we are both tired and trying our best, and find moments to show love and gratitude to each other. It’s unfortunate that our significant others are the ones who bare the brunt of our exhaustion, but I’m lucky to have an understanding husband.