Healthy Hoopie Habits - Day 19: Quality Time with Cody (Your Loved One)

(a.k.a. why I like and love my husband)

Some things don’t feel like habits — they feel like lifelines. And while I wouldn’t list “quality time with Cody” as something I check off a to-do list each day, it’s without a doubt a core part of what makes a day feel whole. When we spend intentional time together — doing everything or doing nothing — life feels better.

This past weekend was a great example of that for us:
We paddle boarded.
We played tennis.
We grocery shopped.
We did house and yard work.
We meal prepped.
We snuggled on the couch and watched a movie.

It wasn’t anything fancy or but it filled both of us up for a new week ahead.

The Magic of Simply Doing Life Together

Cody and I are best friends. That’s a gift I don’t take lightly. We genuinely enjoy each other — not just the big “I love you” kind of enjoyment, but the smaller, often quieter I like you kind, too.

We like being around each other. We like laughing together, joking around, getting things done side-by-side, and exploring new things. Some days are full of adventure, and others are full of grocery aisles and cleaning checklists. But all of it is so special and I wouldn’t want to do it any other way.

Love is Deep. Like is Playful.

One thing we talked about over the weekend is this idea of liking versus loving.
When you’re dating, liking someone comes first — you like their personality, their laugh, the way they carry themselves, the little quirks and habits that make them them. Then, over time, love grows. It deepens and matures. It becomes rooted in commitment, shared values, and life experience.

But sometimes in marriage, the “like” can fade into the background — not because it’s gone, but because love is now the louder presence.

And while love is foundational and beautiful and necessary… liking each other keeps things fun. It keeps you curious and playful.

We want to always nurture both — to not just love each other deeply, but to keep liking each other on purpose.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you’re married, dating, or even hoping to build a healthy relationship one day — don’t underestimate the power of simple, consistent connection.

Quality time doesn’t have to be scheduled, expensive, or elaborate.
Sometimes it looks like folding laundry side-by-side.
Or doing your weekend errands together.
Or playing a new sport even if you’re terrible at it (🙋‍♀️ me at tennis this weekend).
Or just making time to ask real questions and listen with your whole attention.

Relationships thrive when you treat them like the gift they are.
Like the people in them matter.
Like you’re willing to keep discovering new things about the person you already know best.

I’m so thankful for Cody. And I’m thankful for the way we’ve grown — not just into loving each other more, but liking each other more, too. It’s been one of the sweetest, most meaningful parts of our journey.

Because when our relationship is strong, the rest of life flows better.
This is one of those habits that doesn’t need a checkbox.
You just know when it’s there. And you miss it when it’s not.

You don’t just fall into a great relationship — you build it, moment by moment, together. 🖤