I’ve always loved Ray with a very sincere and passionate love, but it felt for a bit as though we had “lost that lovin’ feeling.” I suppose it could have been the fact that I was either pregnant or nursing for the majority of the first eight years of our mariage. Or, perhaps, it was stress over finances and the cares of running a household of so many. I suspect, though, that it was as simple as taking each other for granted and losing sight of why we fell in love so many years ago.
Falling in love again with your spouse is definitely possible. Ray and I are proof. Recently there was a major shift in our relationship. We, once again, feel like giddy newlyweds and are often mistaken for such when we’re out on our bi-monthly dates. I believe it’s because we’ve made each other a priority, we take time for meaningful conversations, and we’ve just plain relaxed.
What else?
• Texting – When I receive a quick “thinking about you” or “i love you” text from Ray it immediately brings a smile to my face. This simple act can go a long way to let your spouse know that you care. It’s fun to get creative with your messages, too!
• Handwritten love notes – Before the age of iMessage, email and Facebook, Ray and I got to know each other through hand-written letters. Now, many years later, little notes, sometimes scrawled out in a hurry, brings back those warm memories of young love.
• “Parking” dates – It’s easy to get in a rut on date nights. A friend, just the other day, recommended ordering fast food and finding a great place to “park.” With the music turned down low, just go with the flow and relax together.
• Going away together - Ray and I are big believers in taking time away to focus on each other. In addition to our regular date nights, we try to go away for a night or two at least once a month. This mini-vacation restores intimacy and proves to each other that our marriage is a priority. It also shows our children know that we value alone time.
• Quickies – I know what you are thinking, but I am referring to just a quick phone call, a brief visit to the office, or just a quiet time out in the evening to focus on each other. It doesn’t have to be long, but proving to each other that nothing is more important is so necessary for a healthy marriage.
• Reminiscing – I recently sat for hours and looked through old letters, cards, and photos from early in our marriage. Seeing our raw emotions and feelings expressed in words brought back that warm feeling of joy and happiness. Reminiscing together about your firsts as a couple is sure to spark some pleasant conversations.
How do you and your spouse keep the spark alive in your marriage?
photo credit: Adam Foster | Codefor via photopin cc, text added
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for the wise and practical advice!!!
I wish I could take your blog photo header and blow it up and put it smack dad in the middle of our living room. It is about as Norman Rockwell as you can get!
Jody´s last [type] ..A to Z: Overcoming Through Forever
love this post! We do a lot of these and they do help. thanks
I love this post! And I love the picture
I think my husband and myself are doing those thinks most of the time… but it’s good to have a list of things to do to make sure that you keep love alive and well 
Great tips and a reminder of the huge importance of making sure we connect with our partners. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of this when we focus so much on the little people in our lives and how much we think they need us that we forget that someone else might need a bit more of our time and attention.
Kimberly´s last [type] ..The Sleep Training Selfishishness Checklist
Well when we are married, we have to make sure that we maintain our healthy and sweet relationship with our husband or with our wife…
Alexarrie´s last [type] ..Natural Remedies For Gout
True that small things matter. Even the tiniest thing can upset someone or make someone smile. Really envious that you’re husband is that sweet. Hope I’ll find mine soon! Stay happy
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Our marriage has been a little bit “bland” lately and I think I will take your suggestions on how we can spice it up. We are in our thirties, so you would think that there would be plenty more years of fun for us – I think we’ll start making the changes we need tonight.
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I agree about texting that brings an immediate flare of love. I’ve tried that before and it’s really a good feeling receive a text message. What’s the sweetest thing that your partner has ever done to you?
-Kimberly
we will definitely try these out. It can help save our marriage
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Your thoughts are certainly helpful for married parents, but for single parents as well. You can have more balance in your life if you take time out for yourself. As the father of five girls, who raised them alone for a time, you can bet I hid out in the basement sometimes.
Bob Veres´s last [type] ..The Author’s Next Project
We too try to have a weekend away together often usually bi monthly. It helps to get some quality alone time together, even though sometimes I would like the time to catch up on the missed sleep
Lucy´s last [type] ..My Telemarketing Manchester Tips site
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