Is college or professional football becoming an everyday event in your household? Is your living room more like a sports arena than a living space? Perhaps it isn't football, but rather another activity that has found its way into your life, or that of your spouse, and you would prefer to see less of the intruder and more of your mate. Setting boundaries in your relationship is important for both you and your spouse.



Rather than watching sports every night, perhaps your significant other would be willing to record the event and watch it at a later date. When you only have a limited amount of time together due to hectic work or everyday schedules, it's important that the time you do spend with one another be special and uninterrupted.

So, just what happens when your sweetheart would rather spend the evening in front of the television rather than with you? If it's an occasional occurrence, there's no need to worry. In fact, you can use this time to find something that you enjoy. If there's another television in your household, it may be a good time to catch up on your favorite programs or simply read a good book. There is nothing wrong with spending some time enjoying an interest away from your spouse. The exception would be if this interest were to consistently prevent the two of you from spending quality time together.

The best way to set boundaries in a relationship is to sit down with your spouse and discuss the issue without starting an argument. Explain that you are feeling neglected and would rather spend more time together enjoying each other's company. Rather than asking your mate to leave his/her interests all together, simply suggest that you should set aside a date night each week. This will not only produce anticipation, but will keep the relationship thriving and happy. If you are like most couples, you would obviously want to spend more than one night each week in one another's company. The fact is that life is rarely like the movies and, these days, couples really do have to make time for each other. It's not as easy as coming home from work, putting the kids to bed and cuddling up on the couch with your mate. There are bills to be paid, housework to be done and other activities that may otherwise prevent you from spending every moment of the day with your special someone.

When setting boundaries in a relationship, don't forget to discuss the issue, agree on a compromise and honor your commitment to put more effort into the relationship. Perhaps it is football or maybe the term is simply a metaphor used to describe another kink in your relationship. Whatever the issue, letting your partner know where you stand will earn you the respect and attention that you deserve from the one you love.