What's the most real relationship advice you can give?

It's fine to not always want to spend 100% of your time with your spouse.

Not every moment of every day is going to be bliss, and sometimes it really takes some effort.

I love my wife to bits, but there are some days when I would just like to do things by myself.

It doesn't mean our relationship isn't great, but it can be really refreshing just to

take a stroll around a shopping center, or go get some food alone or something. This 100%. My spouse goes to a

weekly Pathfinder game. That's his alone time. I occasionally go to a punk show or have a beer

with my friends. It can be even simpler. I will go read a book in the other room and get my alone time.

He likes to cook, so he'll start up in the kitchen and I stay away while he listens to his music.

Everyone needs alone time.

Don't lose yourself as an individual in a relationship. Happened to me. Where were you ten years ago?

Ah, but would you have listened ten years ago? I think it's so important

to have your own social lives and circles, but I see so many couples who bring their partner to

everything, to the point that they're basically a part of every social group that person is in.

Where does that person then have an escape to? When can they go out with their friends without the other one feeling bad for not being invited?

Keep your own circle.

My partner and I have been friends for years, even before we were a couple, so we have the same friend group.

I combat this by asking when he wants me to tag along to outings like shopping, and also we have have pretty chill home life. Also, we're not attached at the hip at events,

and I know when to step back and let him have one-on-one conversations. I try and let him know that

it's okay for us to do our own thing, and I won't be offended. Sometimes I worry that I'm too

much, and we're not getting enough alone time. But we communicate well and respect each other.

So if it ever becomes an issue, it wouldn't be one for too long.

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