All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. It also makes for a boring marriage.

Life can be challenging enough as it is. Marriage and relationships should make the journey easier and more enjoyable, but as you well know, relationships have their ups and downs. It’s just part of the deal.

To have an enjoyable and life long quest with someone requires that each person in the relationship be secure enough to contribute positively to the partnership. This is where play comes into the equation. Romance isn’t always roses, soft lights, dinner and wine. Sometimes it means taking a dare or breaking out of the box.

My childhood friend came to visit yesterday and I noticed a bruise on her leg. “What happened to your leg?” I asked her.

She chuckled and said, “I was wrestling.”

“With what?”

“Sean and I had a tickling match and I kicked the end of the sofa trying to get loose from him.”

Knowing how ticklish my friend was as a child and by how she was laughing in telling the story, I realized how important play is in a relationship. I’m not suggesting that you wrestle in a room full of furniture or in any way harm yourself, but you can think of creative ways to enjoy playing. Whether it is swinging in the park, going to an amusement park or playing tag in the backyard, play is beneficial. After all, wasn’t recess the most fun part of your school day?

Now is the time to re-awaken and choose to be playful. So, take time to laugh, skinny-dip, dance and be silly. You can take care of “business” later.

Life is a romantic comedy – not a heavy drama to be endured from the side lines.