A therapist suggests busy couples should go on 'micro-dates' - 10 minutes together without distraction - to keep their relationship on track.<br /><br />Chris Cambas 57, and his wife, Lori, 56, are both couples counsellors and practice micro-dating - at least 10 minutes of face-to-face interaction a day, free of outside distractions. <br /><br />The therapist explained the 'micro-date' doesn't have to be an extravagant affair - and could be eating breakfast together or a cuddle in the morning. <br /><br />According to Chris, micro-dating is a key element of sustaining a healthy relationship, and keeping the spark alive.<br /><br />Chris, from Tampa, Florida, US, said: "Everyone is super busy. The world comes at us with the speed of light. <br /><br />"When we have children, it's a lot. <br /><br />"Micro-dates are small moments in the day a couple can connect - whether it's cooking breakfast together in the morning, or having a FaceTime on your lunch break. <br /><br />"You should block outside interferences - your phone, kids, bosses and friends - to share a small moment together."<br /><br />According to the marriage therapist, the optimal time for a 'micro-date' is between 10 and 15 minutes. <br /><br />He recalled having to make an effort to prioritise his marriage while his son, Austin, 24, was growing up, by using the technique.<br /><br />He said: "When our son was young we still managed to find times for ourselves, even if it was just 10 or 15 minutes sat on the porch together. <br /><br />He added: "It's just about intentional moments together - it's not about blowing up someone's phone all day.<br /><br />You can take micro-dating any way you want to.<br /><br />"You could even hook up in a hotel on your lunch break."<br /><br />Lori and Chris have launched a free micro-date challenge on their website couplestrong.com.
