
Turn love into a priority: We all know that it takes two to tango, so to speak, but for busy working parents, romance is often the first thing that's dropped from the schedule. That's because too many couples take love for granted. "It's easy to lose the intimacy and sense of togetherness in a relationship, especially amid the pressures of work and raising kids," says Paul Fair, a licensed psychologist and coauthor of I'm Right, You're Wrong. Now What? So make sure you devote yourself to both your marriage and family. Recognize the roadblocks: Having a toddler between the sheets will definitely get in the way of intimacy. So agree that you'll visit your child in his bed, but he's no longer joining you in yours. Is poor body image dampening your sex drive? Carve out 20 minutes a day to sweat out some calories to a workout video. Feeling better about yourself helps alleviate the stress that often pushes romance to the back burner. And if exhaustion makes sleep more attractive than sex, get stricter about everybody's bedtimes. Get closer: Sex won't solve all your problems, but it can serve as a catalyst for reconnecting with your partner. The time spent loving each other will help your relationship stay positive and healthy, benefiting you and your children, says Mary-Lou Galician, author of Sex, Love and Romance in the Mass Media. "Having this time alone together is as important as spending time with your kids because it creates a foundation for the family," says Barton Goldsmith, a marriage counselor and nationally syndicated columnist.Put it on your calendar: It may seem unromantic and not very spontaneous to schedule a date, but setting aside a weekly night for yourselves will help you remember why your relationship matters—just as much as deadlines, kids and housework. So take a salsa dance lesson together or sing a duet at a karaoke club. Kristen Larson, a children's book author from Hanover, MA, creates date nights at home. After the kids are in bed, "I put a tablecloth down, light a few candles, order some takeout and pour us a few beers. It's a great meal in a comfortable setting—conveniently located near our boudoir!"Be a romantic year-round: You don't have to wait until Valentine's Day to say "I love you" with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers or an impromptu gift. Write him a sweet note on the mirror in lipstick, or share a cup of coffee together after the kids are off to school. Surprise him by filling his car with gas or giving him a big smooch for no reason. Caring little gestures like these will make you both feel sexier and help remind you why you fell in love in the first place.



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