10 Ways To Ruin Your Marriage Right Before Bed

The smartest couples use the time just before bed to reconnect. They let the stresses of the day fall to the wayside and make the most of their time together.

But that’s not realistic all the time; it’s all too easy to let unhealthy pre-bed habits get in the way. Below, marriage therapists share 10 bedtime behaviors that could wreak havoc on your relationship.

“Sometimes you get cozy and fall asleep by yourself on the couch or stay up late to have some ‘me’ time. That’s fine, but sometimes couples end up creating poor habits around this area of their relationship and use it as a way of avoiding emotional or physical intimacy. If you hit a rough patch, habits like these can make it far too tempting to maintain distance rather than work things out. Over time, this is how many breakups occur: by two people drifting apart and disengaging in the relationship. Avoid this by ensuring a ritual of coming back together in bed after going out into the world.” ― Kari Carroll, a marriage and family therapist in Portland, Oregon  

“While the bedroom and sex are understandably intertwined, expecting sex just because you’re in bed together is bad for the health of your marriage. We all know what it’s like to be dead tired, not in the mood, or just not physically capable. One of the ingredients of a great sex life is respect, so be sure to practice it by communicating expectations ahead of time. For many of us, right before bed is just not the best time for sex.” ― Kurt Smith, a therapist who specializes in counseling men 

“Many of us have gotten into the very poor habit of bringing our phones and iPads into bed with us. While it’s tempting to scroll through your Facebook feed or check in on the latest news on Twitter before turning off the lights, it’s far more important to be present for your partner during this quiet window prior to sleep.” ― Linda Lipshutz, a psychotherapist in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 

“Rather than enjoying those few evening hours as a family or connecting with your spouse at night, you’re tied up with homework, bath and storybook time, and the third request for a drink of water and kiss good night. By the time you reappear from your child’s room, you and your partner are both exhausted. The real loss is a loss of connection and intimacy between you and your spouse. Develop clear boundaries for adult time and family time in the evenings and establish rituals of connection before bed so no matter what your day throws your way, you can look forward to time with your partner.” ― Laura Heck, a marriage and family therapist in Salt Lake City, Utah

“Too much distance between partners in the bed can create barriers that can feel bigger than they really are. Touch is well known to create feelings of attachment and connection, thanks to its stimulation of the cuddle hormone, oxytocin. The bed can be a natural place to cultivate touch between you, and living too long without it in a relationship can lead to feelings of loneliness.” ― Alicia H. Clark, a psychologist in Washington, D.C.

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