In a time not so long ago or far away, eating family dinner,

connecting with your spouse after tucking the children into bed or

talking with your children in the in-between times like the ride to school

was well, just routine.

But times have changed. Our growing cultural mindset is that we’re

so busy to connect with those closest to us, even though we collectively 【M1】__________

want to. Parents and children alike increasingly fund their downtime in 【M2】__________

phones and on social media and there’s a general sense which there’s 【M3】__________

always more. More to read, more to reply to and more to see. Because

of this pressure to always consume more, that can feel wasteful to slow 【M4】__________

down to appreciate the people in front of us, for fear that missing out on 【M5】__________

life happening elsewhere.

When it’s true that we can always consume more information, it’s 【M6】__________

not true that slowing down and taking time to connect—specially face-to- 【M7】__________

face—is a waste of time. In fact, the exact opposition is true. Making 【M8】__________

time for social connections can reduce the chances of depression and

anxiety caused loneliness. And those connections can have broader 【M9】__________

benefits as well. John Gottman notes in his book The Seven Principles

for Making Marriage Work that enhancing your “love maps”, as in your

knowledge of your spouse’s day-to-day experiences, are key to a happy, 【M10】_________

healthy marriage and a happier, healthier life.

【M8】