IT'S A FUNNY PUZZLER

On those rare occasions when Sarah and I are able to get away without our progeny in tow, maybe for an overnight or even just a dinner date, we often have to transition through kind of an awkward phase where we relearn how to be alone together before hitting our stride. The art of just hanging out together can get a little rusty. We're too close and too familiar for small talk, but the presence of the kids has also forced some distance between us, which needs to be bridged. Sometimes we are able to find a way through, but other times we fail to find our rhythm entirely before having to come back home. During this most recent trip to the Andreas Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs we never suffered any awkwardness. It was just fun to get away together, and to be just Josh and Sarah for a bit. It was an awesome time! I'm not sure what the difference was though. How can that relearning phase be avoided every time? Any ideas?