Fourteen Romantic "Time-Outs" for Parents

Here are fourteen spontaneous time-outs, specially designed to help nyou pay the small attentions that are so integral to lasting intimacy.

Day One:
Spend 15 minutes kissing. Many married couples report that the simple nact of kissing is the first part of intimacy to disappear. Today, nrecapture the power of the smooch.

Day Two:
Today, declare a personal moratorium on criticism. Pay attention to nthe number of negative thoughts you have about the actions of your nspouse. How critical are you? How does being critical make you feel?
Even when we don't give voice to our criticism, it drains our energy nand keeps us focused on negative thoughts.

Day Three:
Call, email, or write your mother-in-law (or send a simple bouquet nof flowers). Let her know how grateful you are for her child.

Day Four:
Spoon.

Day Five:
Reflect on your first date with your mate, writing down as many ndetails as you can remember. Now make plans to recreate it.

Day Six:

Spend tonight in your guest room. Pretend that you and your spouse nare on a romantic vacation in a distant port.

Day Seven:
What's your spouse's favorite cookie? Bake a batch.

Day Eight:
Tape-record a love message--sexy or sentimental--on a cassette ntape. Put it in your spouse's car with a Post-it note that nsays "Play Me."

Day Nine:

Declare today a Forgiveness Day. Are you holding a grudge, nhowever deep, about something your mate has done or said?
Get to the bottom of it today. Then work on letting it go.

Day Ten:

Assess your listening skills with your spouse. Just for today, nslow down and try not to interrupt.

Day Eleven:
Write a note and stash it where you know your spouse will nfind it some time throughout the day. This can be as simple nas a lipstick kiss on a folded napkin or as elaborate as an noriginal poem. (For a special touch, fold a Hershey's kiss inside.)

Day Twelve:
Leave a sexy voice message on your mate's voicemail.

Day Thirteen:
Trying to control your spouse can lead to feelings of nresentment and disempowerment. Today, reflect on situations nthat make you want to control or manipulate. Then work non letting go.

Day Thirtee

List all the reasons you love your mate. For 15 minutes, njust let your pen move. Don't stop to think too hard nabout the task. Just write. Then present your list.

Day Fourteen:
Ask the kids to write down a few of the things they love nabout your parenting partner. Encourage them to be as nspecific as possible. Write them down on slips of paper, nput them in an envelope and place it on your spouse's ndashboard for a heartwarming surprise.

Now spend some time creating your own 15-minute romantic ngifts for one another.