Not tonight dear, I'm distance learning

It can be hard to study when your partner is about. Husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, they often fail to understand why their other half is so engrossed in their learning - particularly when they are studying during their precious spare time. Here are a few distractions you may want to keep up your sleeve for when your partner is feeling distracted.

Virtual bubble popping

This might not sound like the most engrossing online toy but try it. Virtual bubble popping is compulsive. If he or she is distracting you when you should be finishing that homework then sit them at the PC, open this game in front of them and before they can say 'this can't be that good', three hours will have passed.

DIY

List off the shelves that need fitting, the lawn that needs mowing and the kitchen that needs cleaning. Before you know it, they will have melted away to the pub. The great thing about home learning is that you always have an excuse not to begin those chores yourself!

His 'n' hers home learning

With so many adults returning to learning each year, perhaps your partner is distracting you because they secretly wish they could take a course and transform their career. Why not give them the course list to browse while you finish your work? Having someone working alongside you can really improve your motivation.

Football and shopping

Not to make too many generalisations, but there are always things that one person wants to do which their partner may not share a passion for. Why not arrange to study when your boyfriend is playing football or watching a match with his mates? Why not vanish off to the other room and finish your coursework when your missus has her friends round or wants to go and browse the high street? There are always things your partner will want to do without you and if you plan your time accordingly, your other half will never feel neglected.

Motivate them

Since our ancestors first crawled out of the sea, we have been an ambitious species. The chances are that your partner has plans they need encouragement to complete. Perhaps they have recently joined a gym, started attending a book group or decided to volunteer with a local charity. Whatever their project, a few words of encouragement can really help boost their confidence and they will soon recognise the support and motivate you to spend time studying.