Whether you want to be a better husband or a better wife, you can improve your relationship. In fact, the tips in this article apply to improving any kind of relationship. So even if you’re just dating, this article can help you be a better boyfriend or girlfriend. It can even help you be a better father, a better sister, or a better friend.
The trick to relationships is to spend time doing things with other people. Want to be a better husband? Plan a date with your wife. If you already have a weekly date scheduled, try to plan something else to do together. Maybe take a dance class together. Or learn to play bridge. Join the local juggling club. Any activity that you’re involved in together will improve your relationship.
Want to be a better parent? Schedule regular one-on-one time with your children. I try to have at least a monthly one-on-one date with each of my children. They look forward to it, and so do I. My wife also plans date nights with each of the kids each month. We also plan regular family time where all of us interact together. Thursday nights at our house are family game nights; we play boardgames like Monopoly and Clue together. Friday nights are movie nights.
A relationship is like a bank account. For it to grow, you need to make regular deposits. But in a relationship, time is what you invest, not money. And it’s not just a matter of quantity time; it’s also a matter of quality time. Be kind. Try to do things with the people in your life that they enjoy. And don’t leave things unsaid. Life is short.

