How do you create 101 time?

In a world that is so rushed and often so micromanaged we find it hard to create one on one time with the people we love. This is important to maintain relationships and foster growth in our lives. How do we create 1-1 time in a culture that is known for its speed and not its family roots? Here are a few tips to making this possible.

Schedule the one on one time: This will take initiative but all good things good. Schedule time to put down the phone to focus on one another and to be present. It may be with your spouse or it may be with your children or friends. Schedule time to be fully there and don’t let other things encroach on your date time with that person. You already have plans stick too them.

Be present: As simple as it sounds we make it so very difficult. Put down technology. Put it away, turn it off. Get away from it. Better yet go somewhere we it is not even accessible. The park for a picnic, or hiking or working out. Leave those headphones at home and actually have a true conversation. It may be awkward at first because you are not used to it. Embrace the awkward and dive in to that authentic relationship.

Don’t try to make it perfect: It will not be perfect. It is life so it will always have bumps in the road but be able to bring the conversation back on track. If you have to stop and do something, do it quickly so that the person knows they are the focus. If these moments happen don’t stress, do what you need to do and then re-center.

Be committed: For some they will not think that you mean business. Be committed to the things that you can control. If you schedule the one on one time. Be there, be there early, already have your phone put away. Be present. Look them in the eyes, and be aware of things that are going on around you and in your head. If you don’t know what is going on for them be willing to ask and more importantly listen to what they have to say.

Author: Elizabeth Kilby