This article gives us a good yardstick for how many hours to put into our relationship with our spouse at the minimum.

The Minimum Time Commitment To Just Maintain
 
By Bill and Pam Ferrel  
 
Couples Need T.I.M.E.together.
 
Here is what we believe is the minimum time commitment you should have in order to just maintain the minimum connectness (not to deepen or grow a relationship, but just maintain the minimum connectedness needed for a healthy strong marriage which is not including red-hot monogamy.)
 
TEN to twenty minutes to talk together alone every day.(Time in the car with the kids listening doesn't count.)
 
INVEST in a weekly date night(or breakfast or lunch) together for at least four hours. (It takes a couple hours to emotionally connect.)
 
MAKE a monthly "day away" policy.At least once a month spend eight to twelve uninterrupted hours together to reconnect. You can spend the time doing things you both enjoy: errands, shopping, exercising, or a relaxing activity or hobby. 
 
ESCAPE quarterly(or at least biannually) for a 48-hour weekend. 
 

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