This is part of a post from my blog A Stranger in this Land.  You can view the entire post here!

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I decided to search for and compile a list of ideas to improve a marriage through quality time.  I found quite a few good ones and added a few of my own.  These are in no particular order!

-Take control of your schedule and make time.  We already covered this a bit, but to give you an example... If Mi Amor works 20 hours overtime, he cannot be forced to work anymore overtime for the rest of the week.  Therefore, he works late at the beginning of the week, so he can get off on time the later part of the week.  Sometimes it doesn't work out due to the nature of his job, but he does what he can.

-Schedule a "Date Night."  It is suggested by many marriage counselors that married couples should go out for at least one "date night" a month, especially if you have kids.

-Have lunch together once a week.  This is something that Mi Amor and I try to do.  Maybe not every week, but we are pretty consistent with making attempts.  Also, this doesn't have to expensive or unhealthy.  Take your sack lunch to a nearby park instead of heading to a restaurant.

-Take a walk together.  Or go running!  Mi Amor and I get up at 5:30am most mornings to do just that.  Even though I am not a morning person, I really enjoy this time with my husband.

-Get up and go to bed at the same time.  Ok, I think many people are going to disagree with me here.  I know this is not possible for some people and, perhaps, I will change my tune later on.  For now, this is an important one to me.  I get up and make Mi Amor a sack lunch every most mornings and we rarely go to bed before the other.  I appreciate the ability to have the same schedule.

-Do chores or run errands together.  In my mind, this can only be considered "quality time" if there is a lot of communication going on at the same time.  That may just be me though...

-Set aside time for daily conversation/discussion.  Most often Mi Amor and I discuss our day and other things during dinner.  We don't watch TV while eating (unless we're having a Pizza & Movie Night).

-Play together.  Play cards, a board game or video games... or even tag or hide-and-seek.  Men love it when their wives to have fun with them. 

-Get involved with your spouse's hobbies once in awhile.  Mi Amor enjoys playing video games, so I make an effort to play Rock Band every once in awhile.  And just last week we went on a bike ride when he got his new bike and I re-discovered a new hobby.

-Go to bed early...and don't go to sleep.  We all know sex is an important aspect of marriage.  It's more than just physical.  It connects you emotionally and spiritually as well.  Try for more than once a week.

-Try to take a weekend away a few times a year.  If you plan and save, this is possible.  Honestly, I don't know many people who actually do this, but it's a nice goal to have.  Maybe just start with once a year?

-Shower or take a bath together.  Sorry if this offends anyone.  It was mentioned in more than one article, so I felt that I should include it.

-Flirt with each other.  Flirting come easily when dating, but often dies a sad, lonely death in marriages.  As awkward as it may seem at first, some things that must remain unsaid during the dating and engagement period are not considered inappropriate between a married couple.  I'll leave it at that...

-Send each other emails, texts, or other messages.  Sappy messages or a simple "How's your day?" are a great way to stay connected when apart.  Mi Amor and I send each other messages at least once throughout the day.  I think it helps us stay more positive about our lack of time together.  I seriously don't know what I would do if I didn't have texting! :)

-Cook a meal together.  This happens most often when Mi Amor has a day off.  However, sometimes he helps of days he gets off on time.  Either way, he is great at helping with clean-up!

-Read a book together