Planning Recreational and Leisure Time

Abstract

Many couples coming for marital therapy have problems that stem from poor distribution of their time in recreational and social activities. They may be lonely and isolated as a nuclear family, may have lost their playfulness, may spend too much time together, or may be over-involved with their children. Individuals have different needs for soli­tude and togetherness. These needs may also change as a couple go through the developmental phases of their lives and their marriage. When the amount of each partner’s desired emotional space differs within a relationship, the irritations and frustrations coming from satiation and deprivation can lead to withdrawal.