Re: Time for relationship...
Seriously, it depends on what level of communication the couple is comfortable with. My dh is always in the habit of calling me when he leaves the office (btw guys this is a good habit to get into, and guarantees{hopefully} that you won't come home to find the missus in the clothes she cleaned the bathroom in).
Time alone is important though, even though we've been married for many years now (almost 15!), we still go out on a date at least twice a month, once a week if we're lucky. We've been doing this since we were first married. We also take a weekend away without the kids once a year.
I think its important to think of your husband/wife as a person in their own right, and not just as your spouse, a mother/father, etc. When we have date night we don't talk about the kids, family, or household related issues, we just try to have a good time :)
amana, i love ur posts!!!
ur advice really makes sense..... i think now i know who to turn to for advice in future:D