Think back to the days when you were first dating your spouse. You might remember blissful walks along cute little trails or darling picnics in the park. You might think of lovely dinner dates where your hair was perfectly done and you were both 10 pounds lighter than you are now.
Whatever you remember, it probably looks a little different than your life looks now. Now you’ve got a million things to worry about; maybe you have a few kids and it’s possible you use dry shampoo more regularly than actual shampoo.
Amidst all the craziness of life, it can be easy to forget to actually love your spouse. This, however, shouldn’t happen. Here are 13 ways to strengthen the beautiful love you share:
1. Spend at least 15 minutes alone
Spending quality alone time is so important to your relationship. Put the kids to bed a little early, turn off your phones and have a few minutes of uninterrupted alone time.
2. Keep touching each other
Physical touch is so important, and you don’t have to be intimate every day to achieve it. Hold hands whenever you can or give an extra hug. It’ll go a long way.
3. Make intimacy a normal thing
Intimacy is important in marriage, so make it a priority. It will bring you closer as a couple and give you a special bond.
4. Flirt whenever you can
Flirting can feel a little strange at first (especially if you haven’t flirted since your dating stage), but it can be so much fun!
5. Make your spouse your top priority
Your spouse should come above everything, including money, kids, work and other friendships. Learn to make them your number one.
6. Compliment each other
Sincere compliments can seriously go a long way. Hearing their sweetheart say they're doing a good job will mean to much to them.
7. Keep open communication
If you’re not on the same page as your spouse, it’s easy to grow distant. Keep talking and listening to each other — you might miss out on some pretty important conversations if you don’t.
8. Set a regular date night
Date night is the BEST, so make it a priority! Set aside one day where you can have the whole night to yourselves and not talk about anything but your love for each other. Leave your stressful life behind.
11. Throw expectations out the window
Every marriage is so different that you really can’t expect anything. You should expect to be loved and appreciated, and you should expect having your basic needs met, but other than that you never know what’s going to happen.
12. Learn to apologize and forgive
Your marriage will never be a happy one unless you learn to apologize and forgive often.
13. Eat at least one daily meal together
This will give you time to talk about your day, unwind and spend quality time with each other and your family.
14. Say “I love you” as often as you can
This one is pretty self-explanatory. You’ll never get tired of saying “I love you,” and your sweetheart will never get tired of hearing it.
Life can get busy, but when you do small things like this, your love can grow into something more beautiful than you could ever imagine.
Lindsey Miller, FamilyShare
