American swimmer Summer Sanders is well-known for winning multiple Olympic medals before turning to broadcasting and commentary on television. Through her writings and public speaking appearances, she has also offered insights on relationships and personal development.

In one of her articles, she discussed the value of preserving close bonds in committed partnerships and offered a list of rules that people can abide by to keep their unions strong and thriving over time. One such rule centers on the notion of setting up regular times for spending quality time together, which ought to take place at particular times determined by the number seven.

In order to keep a relationship intimate and connected, Sanders suggests planning date nights once a week. In addition to weekly dates, she recommends going on a solitary overnight excursion every seven weeks to provide each partner with much-needed time away from everyday obligations and routines. Lastly, she suggests scheduling adult-only vacations once every seven months for longer getaways that let couples completely rejuvenate.

This method is comparable to a gardener who meticulously cares for their plants at specific times. Consistent quality time over many years helps maintain and fortify relationships, much like regular watering and pruning helps ensure the health of flowers or vegetables.

Sanders highlights the importance of couples prioritizing personal connection despite hectic schedules and life's obstacles by proposing these intervals. Her counsel is a helpful reminder that maintaining healthy relationships over time calls for constant work and care.