I remember when my children were in elementary school they implemented a program called D.E.A.R.- Drop Everything And Read. It was great, at various times during the school week, no matter what class the kids were in, they were required to stop what they were doing and read. The program began in part because the school district found that despite their innovative curriculum in areas like math and science, kids were still struggling because they simply were not spending enough time working on reading. Reading is the foundation for all of their learning and there is no better way to reinforce it’s importance than by dropping everything else to just read. This new D.E.A.R. program sent the message that good reading skills were the top priority, even if most days they spent hours focused on other subjects. While I have no doubt that this intruded on teacher’s instruction time for other subjects,ultimately it was an important lesson for everyone- to succeed we must focus on the fundamentals. 
Our lives are so busy and full of important obligations- parenting, work, school, extended family, hobbies…the list goes on. But much like reading, our long-term success and happiness is directly related to the quality of our fundamental relationships. Without a loving foundation as a couple, the other areas of your life often suffer. Work is more overwhelming, we have less patience with children and friends, we become unbalanced. So the question I have for you today, is when was the last time you decided to D.E.A.L {Drop Everything And Love} with your significant other? It is so easy to tend to the call of our bosses, friends, and children while ignoring our partner’s need to be loved but the cost is great. During this busy holiday season, ask yourself whether your time and energy is being spent on the person who is most important to you. If the answer isn’t yes, it maybe time to drop everything and make sure your partner knows that they really are your #1 priority.
Today I want you to D.E.A.L. with your significant other- just like those elementary school kids, I want you to set aside all other distractions and obligations and focus your attention on what really matters the most… demonstrating your love for your partner above all else.
{don’t forget to leave your comments… all comments on any of our Sexy Couple Holiday Challenge posts are eligible to win the Custom Love Banks seen in Day 1 post as well as Wednesday’s Date Night Dare prize- sponsored by Glory Days Grill & District 365.com} ~ Group Therapy AssociatesRelated posts:
8 comments
Yet another post that gets the hamster wheel in my mind turning. I am very guilty of not taking time to D.E.A.L. There’s always “one more thing” that I need to complete before I D.E.A.L. I will conquer this challenge tonight. Thank you for another great post!
I’ve been guilty of not D.E.A.L.ing. Does anyone have any advice on how to D.E.A.L. when your partner isn’t your number one priority? I know they want to be but when the children are little shouldn’t they be both partner’s number one priority?
I think it is very important to D.E.A.L and my husband and I try to do fun things together on the weekends to remember why we are in together.
I absolutely agree that our significant others often get pushed onto the back burner. Balancing being 7.5 months pregnant, my daughter, who’s a seven year old second grader, and my husband is challenging. Between the challenges felt from my pregnancy, house chores, my personal academic responsibilities, my daughter’s extracurricular activities, and her sometimes ginormous amounts of homework, my night often ends at her bedtime. Meanwhile, my husband is left awake tackling work related tasks, etc. I appreciate the reminder to make significant / meaningful time for my partner, as opposed to taking for granted our relationship. Also, thanks for the reminder not to assume that he understands why I may leave little time for him, despite of my/our everyday responsibilities. I will try better to D.E.A.L.
it’s tough to put anyone first when you’re in your last trimester, believe me I know! But I think it’s awesome that you are trying. Just taking time to read our posts and share your thoughts is a way to keep your relationship with your husband at the forefront. Good luck with the next couple of months and tell your husband to join us in the challenge too. We’d love to hear from him.
thanks for joining us! we love to read your comments and hear more about how you are making time for love this month.
check out our weekly recap, I answered your question via video this week. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Trackbacks