If you work full-time, you already know how much time and effort it takes to master work-life balance. Add to that a relationship, and it becomes even harder.

As a psychologist who studies couples — and who has a working wife — I’ve faced these challenges firsthand. Thankfully, my job as both a researcher and husband has taught me how important it is to be intentional about how my wife and I spend our time, specifically on weekends.

Here’s how people in the happiest, most successful relationships spend their free time:

A couple who spends a lot of time together, but is constantly distracted by texts, emails or social media, probably isn’t as happy as a couple who spends less time together, but without their phones.

That’s why carving out one-on-one time without any interference from technology is so important. And how you spend that time is actually irrelevant. It doesn’t need to be extravagant or planned down to the minute. What matters is presence.

It could be a quiet morning coffee where you exchange unfiltered thoughts, a slow walk to fill the silence, or a good old wining-and-dining — as long as the phones and laptops are put away.

After a draining week of work, it’s normal and even healthy to crave solitude. But it can be hard to choose between “me time” and “we time.”

Luckily, there’s a way to satiate the need for both alone time and bonding simultaneously. “Parallel play,” a concept derived from child psychology, is when two people engage in their preferred activity separately, but alongside each other.

For couples, this might look like one partner reading on the couch, while the other plays their favorite video game next to them. They might not be engaging directly with one another, but they’re still intentionally sharing space and de-stressing with an activity they each enjoy.

It’s basically a way of saying: “I love you, but I also need to love me for an hour or two. Let’s do it together.” 

Relationships thrive on ritual. Coming home to your partner and knowing that the weekend will bring something familiar — something reliably yours — can be comforting.

In fact, research shows that rituals can help couples organize their lives in a way that allows for both change and stability to coexist. Individuals can merge into a shared identity that feels distinct from either person alone. You can ground yourselves together, no matter what chaos surrounds you.

What those rituals look like is completely up to you. Don’t shy away from cheesy. It could be Sunday morning pancakes, or board game night with a goofy scoreboard on the fridge. If you’re more practical, maybe it’s a weekly sit-down over a glass of wine to plan out the week, or tackling one nagging chore together with your shared playlist in the background. 

Studies show that couples who have a satisfying sex life are more likely to be happier in their relationships.

But with endless chores and errands, weekends can start to feel like a second workweek — with little time left over for intimacy. Sex quickly starts to feel like less of a priority.

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That’s why structured intimacy can be a good thing. Many people think it can diminish spontaneity, but if anything, it actually removes the mental fatigue of trying to make intimacy happen.

It’s also a great way for couples to engage without distraction, all while combating the emotional strain of work. So, make it intentional and set a time.

Playfulness, according to research, is one of the most reliable tools couples can use to strengthen their relationship. It can boost relationship satisfaction, ease conflict and break up the sense of monotony that partners can start to resent. 

During the week, we unknowingly train ourselves to look for things to stress over. But on weekends, we need to take those goggles off. The act of being silly — and being met with silliness in return — helps us reconnect with the childlike wonder we carry inside that gets buried beneath our responsibilities. 

So, look for joy on purpose. Maybe you pull out a trivia game with nonsense rules or challenge each other to a dance battle.

There’s no right or wrong way to be playful, and chances are, you already know how to make your partner laugh. You just have to remember to do it.

Mark Travers, PhD, is a psychologist who specializes in relationships. He holds degrees from Cornell University and the University of Colorado Boulder. He is the lead psychologist at Awake Therapy, a telehealth company that provides online psychotherapy, counseling and coaching. He is also the curator of the popular mental health and wellness website, Therapytips.org.

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Often, people’s biggest obstacle to success and happiness is their own fear — of failure, rejection, or uncertainty, to name just a few — says psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman.

You can overcome it with a process called “unlearning fear,” says Kaufman, an adjunct associate professor of psychology at Columbia University’s Barnard College. By doing so, you can become more resilient and, ultimately, more successful by developing an ability to identify your self-imposed obstacles and think objectively about how to move past them, he adds.

“Fear is automatically learned” from people’s past experiences and traumas, Kaufman writes in his latest book, “Rise Above,” which published in April. “And fear must be actively unlearned: We have to choose a different way of living, and we can start by taking responsibility for the fact that unlearning fear — or any past patterns — can take a lot of inner work.”

Avoiding something that scares you is a normal reaction, says Kaufman. Maybe you’re afraid to ask your boss for a promotion or apply for a new job, because you don’t want to suffer the disappointment of rejection. Or, maybe you fear failure too much to take the risk of launching your own business.

The easiest thing to do in those situations is typically nothing: “Our default state is to have a sense of helplessness when we get overwhelmed,” Kaufman says.

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Instead, the key to “unlearning fear” is to reframe what frightens or worries you as an opportunity to learn or try something new, and potentially unlock a greater level of success than you’d previously thought possible. Kaufman calls this “learning hopefulness,” he says: “You can, in any moment, decide to live and make the fear decision or make the growth decision. You have more control over that than you realize.” 

Try asking yourself “What” questions instead of “Why” questions, Kaufman recommends. He offers this example: Your boss gives you more work than you were expecting, leading you to feel overwhelmed and frustrated.

“You can go from ‘Why am I feeling this?’ to, ‘OK, what am I feeling? What would make me feel better?’” Kaufman says. “Asking, ‘what’ questions — ‘What do I need right now, in this moment?’ — these lead to a whole upward spiral of productive questions.”

The result: You might end up talking to your boss about setting realistic expectations for how much work you can get done in a set amount of time, so you can prioritize your tasks together.

Asking why can lead you to “a dead end” for identifying possible solutions, Kaufman says. Asking “what” helps create distance and objectivity, making it easier for you to recognize harmful patterns and come up with solutions to break them — ultimately helping you build the mental strength and resilience you need to overcome obstacles and become more successful.

“If we approach life with a sense of flexibility and embracing all that life has to offer, we learn that everything can teach us something,” says Kaufman. “Going into any situation with curiosity and an openness to learning is a much better way than leading with your fear.”

Other experts recommend similar strategies to overcome fears, particularly fear of failure. Most successful people can reframe their failures, identifying them more as learning opportunities, rather than falling into the trap of a “fear-based fixed mindset,” psychologist psychologist Jenny Wang wrote for CNBC Make It in May 2022.

Failure is “a pitstop where you refuel your journey and redirect your approach,” Wang wrote, adding: “Failure can be a tool to help hone your skills, understand your obstacles, and realize that you have it within yourself to stand back up and keep pushing.”

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After more than a decade, Mark Cuban has departed from ABC’s “Shark Tank.” His final televised investment on the show: a six-figure offer for 10% of a restaurant dedicated entirely to deviled eggs.

Deviled Egg Co., founded in 2017 by former bar and lounge manager Raechel Van Buskirk, began as a side hustle in Omaha, Nebraska. Van Buskirk, the company’s CEO, experimented with a variety of off-beat deviled egg flavors, and catered them from her home before teaming up with business partner Alexi Wellman — originally the company’s first investor, Van Buskirk says — to launch a food trailer in 2020.

Today, the business is a full-fledged restaurant — with two sit-down locations and one grab-and-go storefront, all near the Dallas metropolitan area — featuring deviled egg flavors like crab rangoon, cheeseburger and chicken quesadilla. Deviled Egg Co. also ships a 36-egg kit, called the “Shark Tank Special,” to further-flung customers.

Deviled Egg Co. brought in just under $1.3 million in annual revenue 2024, and was profitable, says Van Buskirk. On the TV show, she and Wellman asked a panel of investor judges for $150,000 in investment funds, in exchange for a 5% equity stake in their company.

“We do plan to use part of [the investment] to open two more grab-and-go models,” Van Buskirk said on the show. “We have people that want to franchise already,” added Wellman, now the company’s CFO and COO.

After starting with their food trailer, the duo launched their restaurant location in Omaha in 2021. They expanded to Texas in 2023: Van Buskirk had family in the area, and after being diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2022, she wanted to be closer to her loved ones, she says.

She’s currently in full remission, she adds. She and Wellman closed their Omaha location in December.

The “Shark Tank” judges enjoyed their sample deviled eggs, with Daymond John saying, “This is probably the best thing I’ve ever eaten in 16 years on this stage.” But he ultimately declined to offer Deviled Egg Co. an investment, saying he’d rather be a customer than a co-owner. Lori Greiner agreed, and similarly declined to extend an offer.

Barbara Corcoran said she saw potential. She offered $150,000 for 15%, saying that’s the same equity stake she has in other “Shark Tank” food companies like Cousins Maine Lobster and Crispy Cones. Kevin O’Leary made a competing offer, $150,000 for 20% of Deviled Egg Co.

That’s when Cuban offered to go in on a deal with Corcoran: $250,000 for 20%, with both figures split evenly between the two investors. “I definitely love it,” said Cuban.

Corcoran agreed to the partnership, and Wellman and Van Buskirk immediately accepted the offer. “I cannot wait to make them so much money,” Van Buskirk said. (Post-taping, the deal has yet to be confirmed, with negotiations still in progress, Van Buskirk now says.)

The offer marked a bittersweet end to Cuban’s run on the show. The billionaire investor tearfully reminisced on the days when he too hoped to find investors who believed in him. He now plans to spend more time with his family, and devote more of his work focus to his online pharmacy startup Cost Plus Drugs.

“What I’d like to say is thanks [to] everybody who took a chance on me, all the entrepreneurs who said yes to me — who knows how many millionaires we’ve created — and their employees. How many people we’ve inspired,” Cuban said on the show. “I’m proud of what we’ve done.”

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As a pediatrician, I spend a lot of time engaging with families about nutrition. My philosophy is simple: If you empower a child to embrace healthy eating habits early on, they are more likely to carry these positive behaviors into adulthood. 

Early intervention can be transformative and help substantially reduce their long-term risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and even certain types of cancer.

Many parents already know the importance of feeding kids vegetables and limiting added sugar. We often discuss “eating the rainbow,” emphasizing the need for a diverse range of colorful fruits and vegetables. Parents frequently prioritize dark leafy greens, antioxidant-rich blueberries and healthy-fat-packed avocados. 

However, there’s one nutritional powerhouse that often gets overlooked: beans. Here’s why I wish more parents fed this underrated superfood to their kids. 

Beans, in all their varied forms, are an exceptional source of plant-based protein. Many bean varieties contain all the essential amino acids that are vital for supporting a child’s energy, growth and active lifestyle. 

Beans are also loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber, a duo that’s a game-changer for digestive health. Insoluble fiber promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and keeping things moving smoothly. Soluble fiber contributes to that feeling of fullness and satiety after a meal, which can be helpful in managing appetite and preventing overeating. 

Soluble fiber also plays a role in lowering LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels, and helps to stabilize blood sugar fluctuations after meals, preventing those dreaded energy crashes.

Beans are naturally fortified with an impressive array of essential vitamins and minerals. 

They are also a fantastic source of folate, which is vital for cell growth and development, as well as iron, which is crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body. 

Plus, they’re packed with magnesium for nerve and muscle function, and a range of B vitamins that support energy production and brain health.

Soybeans in particular have a good amount of healthy fats in them, like omega 3 and omega 6 fats that support heart and brain health. 

Beyond their nutritional profile, beans offer practical advantages. They are very affordable, making them accessible to families on any budget. Their long shelf life means you can stock up and always have a healthy meal option on hand. 

Additionally, incorporating beans into our diets is an environmentally-friendly choice. They have a lower carbon footprint compared to many animal protein sources, contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Of course, all the nutritional knowledge in the world won’t make a difference if kids refuse to eat what’s offered. This is where the magic of beans truly shines. 

I’ve found that many children genuinely enjoy the taste and texture of beans, and they are remarkably easy to prepare in various kid-friendly ways.

For younger children or more picky eaters, start with something simple and approachable, like steaming edamame (young soybeans) or adding black beans to a cheesy quesadilla. I’ve even found success with black bean-based brownies, a surprisingly delicious and nutritious treat. 

For more adventurous eaters, consider introducing lentil soups, flavorful bean chili or stews. The versatility of beans makes them easy to incorporate into a wide range of dishes, ensuring there’s a bean recipe out there for everyone.

Want to boost your confidence, income and career success? Take one (or more!) of Smarter by CNBC Make It’s expert-led online courses, which aim to teach you the critical skills you need to succeed that you didn’t learn in school. Topics include earning passive income online, mastering communication and public speaking skills, acing your job interview, and practical strategies to grow your wealth. Use coupon code MEMORIAL to purchase any course at a discount of 30% off the regular course price (plus tax). Offer valid from 12:00 am Eastern Time (“ET”) on May 19, 2025, through 11:59 pm ET on June 2, 2025. Terms and restrictions apply.

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Back in 2003, I spent a semester in L’Aquila, Italy and fell in love with the country. That study abroad experience changed the trajectory of my life. 

Two years later, I returned to pursue my master’s degree in marketing management and communications at Bocconi University in Milan. Fashionable, fast-paced Milan was miles away from the sleepy, neighborly L’Aquila, and the city’s nightlife actually reminded me of my hometown of Miami. 

After I finished school, I knew I wanted to stay. It was the beginning of a two-decade-long, and counting, love affair with Italy. I moved here permanently in 2012 after I married my Italian husband, Diego.

Today, we live in Milan with our six-year-old son, Lorenzo. I run a company called Doing Italy to help other Americans make a home for themselves here.

We rent a 1,227-square foot 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment for about $1,850 a month. We’ve lived here for about three years.

We found this place when Lorenzo was three. The apartment hadn’t changed much in the last 40 years, so we set about renovating to make it feel more current, and more like us.

In the United States, doing significant work a rental might be frowned upon. But in Italy, there are government incentives, like tax credits, for people renovating their homes, even renters. Our landlord also gave us eight months of free rent for renovating the apartment

The renovations cost us about $41,000, but between the government rebates and the rent pause, we saved roughly $33,400.

The bathroom

This bathroom is one of my favorite rooms, but it required a ton of work. We gutted it completely, changed the faucets and added the hexagon tiles, which I love. We sourced the tiles from an adorable, friendly and family-owned company in Tuscany.

The kitchen

When we got here, the kitchen had not been renovated in about 40 years, so it needed a lot of work. We actually had our movers bring not just our kitchen wares from the old apartment, but the appliances, too. 

We tore out the sink and the stove from our old apartment, and had them installed in the new place. It was a memorable transition. We also added a few new cabinets and a new countertop.

We demolished the existing wall tiles, but kept the ones on the floor. We also closed off two lateral doors that used to open up into the kitchen, to give us more countertop space. 

The living room

To open up the living space, we knocked down an entire wall. The living room has natural hardwood floors that we sanded and added a lighter stain. 

Since the flooring in that corridor space was tile, we sourced a bit of wood flooring to best match the rest of the room.

The bookshelves, the grey couch and the lighting fixture are some fun focal points of the space. 

My son’s room

My son’s favorite part of his room is the giant map that we put up on one side of the wall. He loves pointing out all the different locations on it. I love it because it helps bring all of our worlds together in one place. 

Our room

One of the most important additions we made to the apartment was the air conditioner in our bedroom. I grew up in Miami and my family is from the Caribbean, so I can handle a little heat. My husband on the other hand, not so much. 

I also love our dresser, which was handmade by my husband’s great-grandfather in the 1800s. It needed a little bit of work to bring it back to life, so we had it restored.

When we go to the market, there are so many quality ingredients to choose from. Fresh, delicious produce is relatively easy and accessible here. We source items like pasture range eggs, milk and butter either farms that are right outside the city, or from the farmer’s market in the city.

Leisure time is also a serious business in Italy. A perfect example of this is the evening ritual and tradition of the aperitivo.

As soon as the workday ends, people will stop into a café for a glass of wine and food for an hour or two. It’s deeply ingrained culturally, so much that whenever we leave the park after school, my son says  “facciamo un ‘peritivo’” — although he very adorably doesn’t pronounce the “a.” 

We’ll head over to a neighborhood spot with our friends. The kids get their own table with juice and chips, the grown-ups will sit at our table with our adult beverages, and no one looks at us like we’re inconveniencing them. 

I love raising my son in Milan. Having kids here doesn’t mean your social life ends. There are a ton of parks, galleries and museums, and a wide variety of family-friendly activities.

On average, Italians get four to six weeks of paid vacation every year, and unlike in the U.S., people actually use their vacation time. From Milan, we can get to Lake Como or Genova, on the seaside, in under two hours, and those are just the easy day trips. 

I grew up in a middle-class immigrant family. The fact that I now get to regularly vacation in places like Italian Dolomites and spend weekends in Vienna is not something I take for granted. I feel incredibly blessed, and I couldn’t be happier to be here. 

Thea Duncan Prando is the founder of Doing Italy. She lives in Milan with her husband and son. To learn more about her life in Italy, follow her @DoingItaly

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