Tips to keep relationships healthy

Many couples live in a "wired" world, juggling lengthy to-do lists, busy schedules and the daily demands of children while trying to manage it all through cellphones, personal digital assistants and other electronic devices. Though the wired lifestyle allows people to stay connected, it can also disconnecting them from their spouse.

A new national survey of more than 300 couples revealed that, on an average day, men and women reach for their cellphones, electronic devices and TV remotes three times more than they do for a hug or kiss from their partner.

Softball star Jennie Finch and relationship expert Stacy Kaiser teamed up to discuss how couples can "unplug" and keep the romantic fires burning in a wired world.

Finch, U.S. softball silver medalist and busy mom of a 2-year-old, understands the struggle for busy women in a world run by technology. "When I'm on the road with my team, I use texting, voice mails and video chats to keep me connected with my husband and son. They allow me to see and talk to them every day, which is important, especially when I'm halfway around the world," Finch said. "As much as I appreciate how technology has kept us together, I have to remind myself to turn them off when I finally have some time alone with my husband."

Kaiser offers simple tips for improving romantic spontaneity. d:

•Unplug. Make the bedroom a "noelectronics zone" an hour before bedtime to allow couples private time every night. Turning off cellphones and other electronics can help create a more emotional space for romance.

•Take a "staycation." An intimate weekend alone is the perfect way to reconnect. Send the children to a friend's house for a sleepover, then unplug the electronic devices and screen all calls.

•Clear your head for romance by taking a walk around the block to eliminate extraneous thoughts and concerns.

•Be spontaneous. Surprise a partner with unplanned romance.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.