f you're like most people today, a typical day consists of juggling more responsibilities than any one person can be expected to manage. You are pulled in so many directions that you end up having precious little time to spend with the people you cherish the most in your life -- your family and friends.
Well, believe it or not, there really are ways to find time to show you care, even on the busiest days. Here's how some real families stay in touch and make their precious ones feel special.
Love Notes
My husband and I courted the old fashioned way when we were dating -- through letters. Now, even though he'll be there to talk to when I get home from work, I find it very therapeutic to write him little love notes when I'm commuting to and from work on the subway. I add little cartoon drawings of things like the two of us cuddling on the couch, to show him I'm thinking about him while we're apart.
--Elyse Orecchio, New York, New York
Calling Counts
Every month or so, I wake up and find that my fiance has taken my car out early in the morning to have it washed. And he always puts a fresh bottle of water in the cup holder. He's wonderfully sweet. He brings me flowers, he cooks. But the thing he does that makes me know he loves me is that he calls my mother every week. I am so proud to marry someone who is so considerate. It really means a lot to my mother. At the end of the day, it's the practical things that enhance your relationship and the connectivity of your family that make it work.
--Taffy Akner, Los Angeles, California
Welcome Home
My husband has a long commute everyday, driving 45 minutes each way to and from work. He doesn't get to spend much time with our two toddlers on weeknights unfortunately. So, each night, after he calls to say he's a few blocks from home, me and the kids go to the front door and line up at the window, totem-pole style. Even the cats come along. We giggle and laugh, and the minute he opens the door we shout "Welcome Home Daddy!" He just smiles and the kids jump on him and lavish him with attention. We want him to know that he is missed and that for the short time he is home each night, our family is complete.
--Jennifer Martinez, Frederick, Maryland
Stop the Routine
One of the nicest things about my husband is that he good-naturedly indulges my need for a break in the 'routine' of our household, even though for him hanging around the house would be a treat. We take spontaneous road trips, explore new areas to climb and hike, visit friends living in areas we've never been, and generally see and experience as much as we can, while we can. I love it, and he is always happy for the adventure, mild as it sometimes is. Routine can be a killer in a marriage!
--Frances Hall, Saugatuck, Connecticut
Sister Night
My sister and I were barely seeing each other as a result of very busy lives. Our relationship was suffering because we had little to no communication each week. So we decided to pick one night (Wednesday) that would be Sister Night. We made a deal that no matter what was going on, we'd leave the stresses behind and just focus on talking and having a good time. Each week we alternate who gets to pick what to do. We have dinner, see a show, go to a movie...anything, as long as it's fun and it brings us closer. It's been a big hit and very helpful to our relationship.
--Lisandra Payan, Queens, New York
R.J. Jackson is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.
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