Dear MOTIVATION: I’m in a loving relationship, but there’s one issue that’s become increasingly challenging. My partner has expressed a strong desire to spend every weekend with my family. While I appreciate her enthusiasm for family members, I also feel the need for individual time to recharge and maintain our own connection. Being with family is important, but I want to find a way to protect our relationship without hurting her feelings.

How can I express my need for some weekends devoted to just the two of us? I don’t want to seem selfish or unappreciative of her wanting to bond and spend time with my family. I love her and want to have a healthy balance between family time and our personal time. I believe this will ultimately strengthen our relationship and joy for spending quality time where it’s just us. Any advice you can give on how to approach this conversation respectfully would be greatly appreciated. — I NEED INDIVIDUAL TIME, TOO IN WISCONSIN

DEAR INDIVIDUAL TIME: It’s commendable that you want to find a balance between your partner’s desires and your need for individual time. Communication is key. Start by expressing gratitude for her love for your family and emphasize how important she is to you. Use “I” statements to explain how you feel when the weekends are fully booked, making it clear that it’s about your need for connection and quality time alone with her, not a rejection of family time. Propose a compromise: perhaps alternating weekends between family and quality time together. This way, she feels valued, and you get the personal time you need. It’s all about finding that middle ground, ensuring both partners feel heard, appreciated, and respected. Open dialogue will strengthen your bond and emphasize the importance of individual space within a shared life.