How much time have you spent with your partner lately? Not sitting on the sofa watching TV or over dinner, but real one-on-one time. It's amazing how much a little "private" time can help improve even the best of relationships. In the spirit of the quote by Torquato Tasso, "Any time not spent on love is wasted," I implore you to give your partner the most precious gifts of all... your time. Just in case ideas seem to be lacking on how to give your time, I've come up with a few suggestions:

Firstly, make it easier to spend a few minutes here and there talking by taking advantage of everyday actions. The perfect opportunity maybe in taking a few minutes before getting out of the car to go somewhere. Lean over and kiss your partner and tell them you love them. Then, ask how their day was or how they're doing. Call your partner up every so often, even if you live together, and just talk for a few minutes like old friends. Before you go to bed is also a great time to spend together. Talk about your goals and dreams and snuggle together.

Every once in awhile, take the day off or call in sick and just hang out together. Or, if you have kids, hire a nanny for the day or enlist a friend or family member to watch them, and go for a walk or have a picnic. Try to keep to activities that promote talking, unlike movies or concerts, etc.

Another fun way to promote one-on-one time is to find a hobby you can both do together.

When was the last time you both went out on a date? If it's been awhile, institute a date night. Ask your love out to a specific place, with a specific time to be ready. If you date quite often, make it an "at home" date. A picnic in the living room or a complete night snuggled in bed might be the perfect thing for you.

Lastly, when you're both bored and have no idea what to do, get up, light a few candles, break out any old board or card games, order a pizza and play. Even if you don't play for very long, it's still a perfect way to provide a little one-on-one time. Remember the words of Henry Van Dyke, "Time is... too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice; but for those who love, time is eternity." haha ignore me I'm such a dreamer