Staying Together Without Kids

DINK.

Have you ever heard that term?

Well in today’s society and according to Wikipedia, the term DINK (Double Income No Kids) is used to describe a high-earning couple who choose not to have children and are therefore able to afford a more expensive consumer lifestyle than those with families. The term became popular in the 1980s, and has stuck through the years.

While couples in this category seem to “have it all” it doesn’t mean the relationship is not susceptible to intimacy issues.

Couples in this situation might not prioritize their time together, often because they are so career-focused.

It is true that many couples in this circumstance have chosen not to have children. However, in many situations the couple wants to have kids, but is struggling to do so.

Couples “living the life” still have all the same concerns regarding money, higher expectations with their careers, a household to run, etc. They are still balancing a lot even though kids are not a part of the relationship.

True sexual dysfunction can hit anyone, even those without kids. By sexual dysfunction, we are referring to:

• Low desire
• Pain with sex
• Orgasm concerns
• Erectile dysfunction
• Relationship dissatisfaction

While some of these are obvious medical issues that need to be discussed with a physician or therapist, there are some simple things you can do to improve the relationship on a basic level.

What can you do?

• Connect with other DINKS – because they know where you are at in your life and may have many of the same issues as you and your partner.

• Plan a vacation. While the stereotype is that DINKS vacation all the time, it isn’t necessarily true. Take the trip you’ve dreamed of and enjoy the time away – together.

If you are together all the time then don’t be afraid to promote individuality.

In addition to the time you have together, pursue those dreams that make you more personally satisfied and in turn your relationship will become stronger.

Allow yourself and your partner to explore individual situations, such as:

• Girls or boys night out
• Individual retreats
• A guy hunting trip or girl shopping trip
• Book club
• Golf
• Spa days
• Weekly class that interests you

Then, when you have a date night, you will have more to talk about and your partner’s excitement will turn into excitement for you, as well.