HOW TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH PEOPLE

Quality time ( QT) is an informal reference to time spent with close family, partners or friends that is in some way important, special, productive, or profitable. It is time that is set aside for paying full and undivided attention to the person or matter at hand

It is hard to maintain the balance when you are spending time with others as there may not be many things that you have in common. It can sometimes end up one-sided where you have to tolerate their ideas of enjoyment.

The problem I find is that people do not appreciate the time that they spend together. They take it all for granted.

The world can become a lonely place, there are people who do not have the luxury of family or friends, they spend a lot of time alone.

Whilst people are together there is a lack of communication among them, as social media and mobile phones have become the focus of their attention.

There is a lack of human interaction or engagement which leads to a breakdown in healthy relationships.

I have heard that some parents, living in the same house as their children, communicate with them, by messaging them when dinner is ready.

The access to modern technology proves that some children do not feel the need to ask their parents for advice. I mean why would you when you have all the answers online.

Its funny how some parents never have personal conversations with their children and assume that they are okay even when they are displaying unusual behaviours. They put it down to them growing up and hormones.

I am a person who did not want to have the complications of looking after children, not because I was in any way selfish, mainly because I needed to take care of me. It was my choice.

There have always been children in my family, and I absolutely adore babies. When I am around young ones, I give them my full attention and I am happy to sit with them and ask questions about their life interests.

“One thing I have learnt is that time is precious. Its not about the time you spend with someone it’s about the quality of time you spend,” Natalie Bleau

I am happiest in my own space, spending quality time with myself but when I am away from my home, I am very much a people person. I like to be socialising and networking.

My family and friends are aware that I am attending my conferences so unless it is urgent, they will not contact me.

The only time you will see my mobile phone in my hand for promotion purposes like pictures or exchanging my details. I have a smart watch which will keep me notified of anything that is urgent.

I am guilty as the next person of being on my mobile phone or tablet. I play games when I am travelling or to fill in the time ,or I am reading/studying. I have learnt to leave my mobile in my lounge at bedtime.

People accuse me of never answering my phone, as far as I am concerned, if it is urgent, they would leave a message. My mobile phone is not part of who I am.

If you feel you are not making the most of your time with your friends or family, you should consider planning the day before hand.

Make sure that it is a day where you have a clear diary without any distractions, so your focus is on the purpose why you are there.

On average I am likely to spend one day a week with my family when I am not likely to be interrupted by work or friends. My focus is on them alone.

Lately I haven’t spent much quality time with my network of friends ever since the pandemic. I am not much of an impulsive type, as I may not be in the right state of mind, but I like things to be perfectly organised.

In everything there must be a balance.

Natalie Bleau

The Scripture Of Balance