When Was the Last Time You Had Time Alone Together?
When was the last time you and your spouse had time away, just the two of you? For my husband and me, it had been quite some time. For the first two years of my child’s life, I chose to keep my little one close, especially while breastfeeding. However, as those early years passed, I felt a deep need for time alone with my husband, Roman—time where we could be carefree and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Not only was I feeling this way, but so was my husband. Did you know that your husband needs to feel like he comes first in your life? Taking time away doesn’t mean we love being parents any less. In fact, prioritizing our marriage makes us better parents. A strong marriage builds a strong foundation for our family.
A Budget-Friendly Weekend Getaway
For Roman’s birthday this year, we planned a budget-friendly weekend getaway. Thankfully, extended family offered their vacation home near the mountains, which was a huge blessing.
We both love hiking, and we made his birthday dinner extra special by going to a Brazilian steakhouse—pro tip: always check for discount codes before dining out! The next day, we set off to hike several waterfalls. It had recently snowed, making some trails icy, but the experience was breathtaking. We wrapped up our weekend by visiting Roman’s relatives before heading home, feeling refreshed and grateful.
Strengthening Our Marriage Through Quality Time
This trip was special because it allowed me to show my husband how much I appreciate him. In the busyness of parenting, it’s easy to neglect deeper connections. I also prepared some meaningful conversation questions to help us reconnect. At first, I wasn’t sure how Roman would feel about answering them, but he was incredibly receptive. The discussions that followed encouraged both of us for the years ahead. I’ve created a free Annual Marriage Check-In Questionnaire, which you can download below. It’s designed to facilitate meaningful conversations regarding, reflections, connections, and future goals.
Overcoming Common Obstacles to Getting Away
But Who Will Watch the Kids?
Finding childcare is a challenge, but here are some ideas:
- Ask extended family: Even if they don’t live nearby, consider traveling to their area.
- Trust close friends: A good friend may be willing to help, especially if you return the favor.
- Swap with another family: Take turns watching each other’s kids for a weekend away.
We Can’t Afford a Vacation
Budget constraints are real, but here are some cost-friendly ideas:
- Plan a staycation: Book a local hotel, Airbnb, or even camp in your backyard.
- Find creative date nights: Have a game night, take a scenic drive, or pack a picnic.
- Use travel points or discounts: Check for redeemable points or budget-friendly stays.
We kept our trip under $300, mainly because we had a place to stay. If that hadn’t been an option, we could have stayed with family or found an affordable alternative.
I Feel Guilty Leaving the Kids
If you struggle with guilt over taking time away, know that you’re not alone. I remind myself that I’m not just leaving my child—I’m investing in my marriage, which creates a more stable, loving home. My priorities are first in Christ and then in my marriage with Roman. Guilt is not from Christ—it’s a distraction.
Plan Your Getaway Today
Look at your calendar and set a date for your own weekend away within the next 12 months. Planning ahead will help you budget, coordinate childcare, and ensure it happens. Your getaway can be a day trip or a full week—whatever works for you!
A Final Thought
Our weekend away left us feeling encouraged and more connected than ever. I even learned new things about Roman that I wasn’t expecting! As a deep thinker, I naturally love these conversations, while Roman doesn’t always verbalize his thoughts. I’ve found that writing things down helps, and some of our most intentional discussions have happened through:
- Emailing each other our thoughts
- Leaving love notes
- Keeping a shared journal for important discussions
If your spouse struggles to talk about deeper topics, they may be more open to writing them down. This simple shift has strengthened our connection in ways I never imagined.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! If you were to plan a weekend getaway, where would you go?
