Marriage relationship can be absolutely wonderful, but sometimes it can take an unexpected turn, with full-time jobs, kids at home, endless day-to-day tasks, it’s easy to fall into a comfortable and boring routine with your spouse. In this piece, our correspondent EBI KESIENA writes on seven simple tips to put the romance back in your marriage.
After much anxiety, we are in finally the last week of the great month of January, so we can usher in the romantic month of February, the month of love and romance, the month that produces great results after 9 months, we can keep on listing all the exciting event that comes from this month of the year.
But all the fun could elude you if you and your partner no longer excite one another. It’s totally normal for your love life to fizzle over time, but just because it happens to most couples doesn’t mean you need to accept the status quo. Instead, take advantage of this month of love to bring the spark back to your relationship. Here’s how to spice up your marriage, according to the experts.
Re-create Your Favorite Dates at Home
Make date nights a regular thing again. Many couples change the dynamics of their relationship once they get married, the things they did when dating, they no longer do, because subconsciously they feel that effort is no longer needed. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. While some things in life may change after marriage, the way you interact with your partner shouldn’t.
According to dating expert Maria Sullivan, Vice President of Dating.com, when going to the movies or out to dinner is off the table, you have to get creative. Think of your favorite past dates and re-create them. You don’t have to go back to the exact same college bar where you met but what about whipping up some special cocktails at home? Or give your usual Friday night takeout and Netflix ritual a serious upgrade by putting the screens away, lighting some candles and playing some music to remind you of that cheesy restaurant where you first met. Not only will you get major brownie points for the romance, but you’ll also automatically ignite the flames you felt during that original date.
Hold Hands
Remember the thrill you got the first time your spouse held your hand? Affection is an easy way to feel closer to your partner, no matter how small the gesture seems. Holding hands while walking the dog, cuddling on the couch while watching TV, or playing computer games together after eating dinner are all easy ways to let your partner know you love him.
Be Romantic At Home
Romantic isn’t usually a word used to describe a simple meal, but creating a date-night atmosphere in your own home isn’t hard to do. Plan a night at home to have dinner for two (try a new recipe!) once the kids are asleep. Dim the lights, light some candles, get dressed up, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere in the comfort of your own home. Don’t wait for a special occasion to cook your husband his favorite meal or to buy your wife a gift–do it “just because.” Write your spouse a love letter and tuck it in his briefcase, or pick up her favorite flowers on your way home from work one day. Little gestures can go a long way in showing how much you care.
Compliment Your Spouse
Who doesn’t love getting a compliment? Think of all the good qualities your partner has, and make an effort to compliment her at least once a day. It’s a nice way to let her know you appreciate her, and it will make her think about the things she likes about you, too.
Be Young At Heart
Age is just a number. So if you’re letting that stop you from enjoying all the fun that used to come with dating, stop it right this instant!! You are never “too old” to relish the butterflies and adrenaline and delightful mush that come with being in love. So do the things that let you both be young, wild and free… skinny-dipping, drive-in movies, up-all-night talks, stealing smooches in the rain, sleeping under stars, the list is inexhaustible. The world of incredible dates is your oyster, so go get ya some pearls.
Give Surprise Gifts
It’s always nice when someone adds a little dazzle to your day. Surprising your main squeeze with a gift is one of the best ways to spice up your marriage particularly if it’s not your norm for showing affection. Whether you reveal the gift at work, at home, while out ‘n’ about, or as a love note in the car it’s a wonderful way to make an ordinary day extraordinary.
Be Romantic – The Mushier, The Merrier
Romance is just as important (if not more so) five years into a relationship, as it is during those first five weeks or so of initial infatuation and dating. You don’t outgrow it; but it’s something to constantly work at and have fun exploring. So be delightfully cheesy and lose yourself to sweet moments together! Light some candles. Say (or sing!) sappy things. Slow dance in your living room. And get swept up in love over and over again. It’s bound to improve your marriage and melt your insides.
