Alone Time--It's OK!

Two jobs, three children, the dog, the house, the meals to be made, the bills to be paid, the snow to shovel... It can be a lot for one day and can leave me feeling very defensive of my "alone time." In fact, it can leave me so defensive that, sometimes, I find myself wishing for a peaceful getaway (even if it's just to the couch in front of the TV)....ALONE! No hubby. No kids. No dog. No No One!


The problem is that I think wanting my own time and space can often come off as "the cold shoulder," to my husband. I certainly don't mean it that way, but if I'm taking a moment to recoup from four loads of laundry or from a day of counseling middle school students, the words "What are you watching?" in the wrong tone from my hubby can just send me reeling and cringing...and just wishing for Harry Potter's invisibility cloak for awhile!

I have to admit that I do always feel guilty about my need for time alone. I just dream of being on the couch...just me and Lifetime and a glass of wine, cup of tea, and a cozy blanket...ahhhh. But, should I really feel guilty?

My husband has days where all that he wants to do is flip the channels between three different football games and (although he's never said it)I bet nothing would make him happier than for me to announce that I was taking a trip to the mall for a couple of hours.

In other words, we need time to ourselves, even in marriage, even in parenthood. This time to ourselves is like "relationship sleep." It rejuvenates us, provides us with the energy we need to keep going in relationships, whether marriage or parent-child relationships.

So, remember that it's OK to take alone time. We all need it. It's healthy. If your spouse doesn't understand, let him or her know that alone time actually strengthens relationships. It give you a chance to maybe even miss each other! It's OK. No guilt.

Now....go to your couch and relax...send your spouse on some errands...get a cozy book, TV show, or blanket...rejuvenate.