Look, marriage is a wonderful union between two people, but we’d be lying if we said it was always picture-perfect. It’s just not realistic to say that the honeymoon phase lasts forever—we wish it did!
Like all things, there will be highs and lows, with hopefully less of the latter. And while the love remains, it may become a little less passionate. If you feel like the fire needs to be relit with some kindling thrown in for good measure, we have 19 ways to help reignite your marriage!
Why and How to Rekindle?
This may seem like a dumb question, but you might be wondering why you should rekindle that spark. Well, you want to have a fulfilling relationship with your spouse, yes? Yes! You want to feel what you felt in the beginning, right? Right! That’s why you should work on reigniting the flame between you and your better half.
Not only will you and your spouse be happier, but your home will be, too—content breeds contentment, and that extends to the home atmosphere. Your kids will also feel it; the environment goes from ho-hum to cheerful.
Your happiness will radiate outwards and lead to a better home environment for all! Now that we know why you should work on reigniting your partnership, let’s get to the good stuff: How you can do it!
1. Communication is Key
Just like a good heart-to-heart talk with a friend can brighten your day, regular tête-à-tête with your hubby or wife can strengthen your marriage by leaps and bounds.
2. Date Nights
Remember all of those fun, exciting dates you had when you and your babe first met? Bringing back date night can add some of that early chemistry and magic back into your marriage.
3. Be Appreciative
A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way. When you take notice and appreciate the little things you do for one another, it makes a huge difference.
4. Laugh (A Lot)
Laughter is always the best medicine, and it’s an organic de-stressor. Sharing lots of laughs will bring you closer and lighten up the mood.
5. Physical Affection
This is an important one, so pay attention! A hug out of nowhere or a sweet smooch just because shows that you still fancy them in that way. Show them that you’re still into them with a light pat on the bum (in a respectful way, not a hard smack unless that’s their thing; to each their own).
6. Be Supportive
The sexiest thing you can do is really be there for each other through thick and thin. This goes doubly for hard times—it’s easy to support someone when everything is going smoothly. But when you show unwavering support when the chips are down, it forges a trust that is hard to be broken.
7. Surprise Each Other
A sweet surprise can break up a monotonous daily routine and bring a big smile to your spouse’s face. Pick up that Thai food he loves or have her fav flowers in hand when you come home.
8. Create Traditions
Having your own special little rituals or traditions can be something that only the two of you share; whether it’s a weekly date night or a designated movie night, pick a day and stick to it!
9. Exercise Together
This one is for the healthy people who don’t consider walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator “exercise” (we disagree, that’s totally cardio). Exercising together can be a fun, active way to get your hearts racing and spend some quality time together.
10. Cook Together
Planning and cooking a meal together can be a fun project that ends with a tasty payoff!
11. Practice Forgiveness
Forgiving each other for the small stuff helps keep the peace in your marriage—in other words, don’t sweat the small stuff and choose your battles wisely.
12. Be Adventurous
Getting out of your comfort zone by trying new and exciting things can bring a thrill to your relationship. Go parasailing! Jump out of a plane! Or maybe start smaller and take a hike or a bike ride.
13. Prioritize Your Marriage
A busy, packed-with-responsibilities schedule no doubt gets in the way of all marriages, but keeping your union at the top of the list helps keep the love going strong.
14. Practice Patience and Understanding
Understanding and patience are required for a healthy and happy marriage; just like your car needs gasoline to run, your partnership needs these two ingredients to run smoothly. Topping up your reserves in these two areas is a must.
15. Actively Listen
Listening is a form of love. We aren’t talking about hearing; active listening is an entirely different entity. When you really listen, you are showing that you care about what your significant other is saying and are present for them.
16. Celebrate Milestones
Celebrating any achievements, whether they are big or small, can elicit smiles and a sense of “You did the thing, I’m so proud of you” in your voyage together.
17. Go To Marriage Counseling
Sometimes, having a professional guide can help sort out bumps in the road. There is zero shame in reaching out for professional help, and it’s never a bad idea to have an impartial ear to listen and dole out helpful advice.
18. Reflect and Evolve
Taking adequate time to look back on your marriage and how far you’ve come and learning from it helps you both grow and become better partners for each other in the long run!
19. Spend Time Apart
Independent people are happy people, and some of the strongest marriages are made up of self-reliant couples–they are a unit, but they also have social lives separate from their spouses. And you know what they say, right? Absence makes the heart grow fonder! So take that girls’ or boys’ trip, and we bet you’ll be thrilled to come home and see your significant other’s smiling face.
Final Words
Every marriage has its ups and downs, but with a lot of love and a little effort, you can keep the good times going and the not-so-great times at bay. Try out these 19 tips and make your marriage a road trip full of fun pit stops. With patience and teamwork, you and your partner can put the keys in the ignition, enjoy the ride, and see the sunrise spark in your rearview mirror.
