One of most important ways to accomplish this is to set up distinct business hours, and when they are over, don't discuss business, concentrate on your relationship. It is difficult, but make a concentrated effort at it. Confine your business discussions to business hours or set aside a specific time to discuss business.

For example, take last half hour of day, and discuss business day; any suggestions you have, what was accomplished, what needs to be done tomorrow, during week, how are monthly goals you set at beginning of month progressing. Remember to couch any criticisms or suggestions in a positive vein. Think of how you felt in work situation and how supervisors dealt with you when making suggestions. Negatives only cause resentment. They do in corporate arena, and even more so, when dealing with a spouse you must live with 24 hours a day. Be sure to set aside time for each other-go for walks, out to dinner, or just for a drive with your spouse. Do not discuss business.

You should have outside activities that are not business related. If not, join a group that interests you. It will allow you to meet with others who are not connected to your business. Running a home-based business can be very lonely; getting away from home, and having outside interests is imperative.

In addition to problems inherent to couples running a business, starting a home-based business presents its own set of problems and questions. Before you start be sure to ask yourself following:

1. Are you self-motivated? Organized? Able to prioritize your work? You will no longer have a supervisor or a boss to tell you what to do. You will be decision maker. You will have to motivate yourself. One way to accomplish this is to use a To Do List and stick to it. In addition, set definitive business hours, and stick to them.