Running on Empty

Is busyness a threat to your marriage?

Most marriages don’t break because of conflict—they drift because of exhaustion.

We wear “busy” like a badge of honor. Work, kids, church, and constant demands slowly drain us dry. By the time we turn toward our spouse, we’re empty. And when you’re empty, even a loving partner can feel like a threat: I have nothing left to give.

The danger of busyness is believing the marriage will survive on autopilot—until next month, next season, or the next vacation. It rarely does. Two worn-out people can’t create connection.

Strong marriages aren’t built by grand gestures. They’re built by fullness.

Action Tip:

Every day, protect 10 minutes before reconnecting.

• 5 minutes alone: each of you do one small thing that restores you—pray, walk, stretch, breathe, or sit quietly. No phones.

• 5 minutes together: ask each other:
  What gave you life today?
  What drained you today?

No fixing. Just curiosity.

Connection doesn’t start with more time.
It starts with showing up a little more full.

Tune into Episodes 110 and 111 (to be released on Friday) of Marriage IQ to learn more! (There won’t be a second episode this week.)

If you have missed other Marriage IQ Weekly Tip emails, here is a link to catch up on them!