Implementing a "Space and Time Plan" in Your Relationship

Is tension building because you are spending too much time together?

This month’s positive point with a client happened when a couple shared with me they had implemented a “space and time plan” for their relationship around the restrictions of Covid-19.

This particular couple is on a maintenance plan in our work together. For them, that means we meet every 3 months. Prior to our recent session, they had told me there was tension building between them because they were spending too much time with each other. This is not an uncommon situation right now, as you can imagine.

We worked through a plan that included a framework where each one of them understood what the other meant when he or she said, “I need some space today.” Without feeling offended, one or the other would either leave the house for a couple of hours or find a place in their home where he or she would dive into a project, whether that be painting a room, researching on the internet, reading a book, etc.

They reported back to me recently their plan has been working. When they reunite after taking some space, they feel refreshed and ready to reconnect. Absence in a pandemic makes the heart grow fonder!