Nurturing the two sides to your marriage

The Business Side of Marriage

Think of the business side as the framework that holds your daily life together. It's about logistics, schedules, and the smooth operation of your household. When nurtured correctly, this aspect ensures that everything runs like a well-oiled machine, allowing you and your partner to tap in and out seamlessly as life demands.

How to Nurture It:

• Weekly Planning Sessions: Dedicate a time each week for a 'business meeting' with your spouse. Discuss logistics, schedules, and any state-of-the-union matters concerning your household and family. Protect this time as you would any important business meeting.
• Shared Notes: Utilize a shared notes app to keep track of discussions, tasks, and decisions. This promotes accountability and ensures both partners are equally involved and informed.

The Personal Side of Marriage

The personal side is the heart of your relationship. It's about connection, play, romance, and the deep, intimate bonds that make your marriage unique and fulfilling. While the business side keeps your life running smoothly, the personal side fills it with joy, love, and excitement.

How to Cultivate It:

• Regular Dates: Commit to regular date nights to keep the romance alive. Whether it's a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly affair, ensure it's a time dedicated to just the two of you, away from the responsibilities of daily life.
• Shared Activities: Create a list of activities you both enjoy or want to try. Take turns planning these outings, making sure to incorporate elements of fun, exploration, and mutual enjoyment.
• Communication and Growth: Engage in activities that promote growth and communication, like reading a book together or discussing a podcast episode (like one from the Midlife Marriage Podcast!). This helps deepen your understanding of each other and strengthens your bond.

Balancing Both Sides

The key to a healthy marriage lies in the balance between its business and personal aspects. Neglecting one over the other can lead to a partnership that feels either too transactional or, conversely, disconnected from the realities of daily life. By actively nurturing both sides, couples can create a relationship that is both grounded and deeply connected.

Action Steps

• Initiate the Conversation: Share this concept with your partner and express your desire to balance both sides of your marriage.
• Schedule Your First Weekly Business Meeting: Pick a time and stick to it. This meeting is crucial for managing the logistical side of your life together.
• Plan Your First Date: Based on the list of shared activities, schedule something fun. Remember, this is about connecting on a personal level, so make it count.
• Engage in Mutual Growth Activities: Choose a book to read together or select a podcast episode to discuss. This promotes shared learning and understanding.

Conclusion

Marriage is a complex dance of managing the practicalities of life while also keeping the flame of love and connection alive. By recognizing and valuing both the business and personal sides of your relationship, you can create a marriage that is both efficient and emotionally fulfilling. I hope these insights inspire you to take action towards nurturing a more balanced and satisfying partnership.