Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/133640
whole living sex talk BRING IT ON HOME By Wendy Strgar Remembered vacation pleasures can rekindle the magic W hen I was younger and would compare in my mind the option of a new car vs. an exotic vacation, I would always favor the car. It took me years of growing up to appreciate the value of spending money on experiences and time away with people you love. Over the years I've learned just how priceless vacations can be to the health and longevity of a relationship. Switching out the daily demands of worldly commitments for a period of ease, freedom and playfulness transforms the way you relate and freshens your vision of what matters between you. As tensions gradually unwind, memories of what we love about our partner and our relationship literally re-embody us. A primary healing benefit of a good vacation is the fun factor. As much as we need our partner's support when things are tough, sharing intimate laughs can give wings to your love life. Getting away and recreating freely reminds us that going with the flow can add a touch of mystery and openness to our ability to relate. And rediscovering the power of humor can be as simple as a romp in the waves or a rainy-day game of slapjack. Knowing what kind of environments and activities work for you and your family is critical. My family can find all kinds of amusing moments and intimate connections by the ocean, but not so successfully at crowded amusement parks. Even bustling city streets tend to devolve into stressful decisionmaking for us, whether just the parents or the kids are along as well. So think about how fun spontaneously emerges for you, and make a short list of what makes you laugh together before you make your reservations. A vacation will continue to reap benefits long after your tan fades if you make space for those same kinds of playful moments in your days when you get back. For instance, we've had some light 16 wholelifetimesmagazine.com FINAL REDESIGN WLT-5-27-11pm.indd 16 5/28/13 11:11 AM