Sometimes, long-term relationships reach a point where they become dull so, why not try something new? Spice up married life with these 10 simple tips.
As we get older and relationships get longer, we tend to get comfortable. Our focus turns to things like estate planning and away from keeping the romance alive.
It doesn’t have to be this way though! The divorce rate is so well known that it’s become a joke in the US. 40-50% of marriages fail, but did you know that one of the main reasons are things like growing apart, getting bored, and bad sex?
It doesn’t have to be this way though, we have 10 tips to help you spice up married life for you and your spouse.
1. Start Saying “YES”
One of the biggest mistakes you can do is not try. So, if your partner comes up with an idea or suggestion, say yes to it.
They came to you with an idea, this is a sign they are willing to put in the effort to keep your marriage exciting. Show them that you care about them and are willing too by agreeing to try out their idea with them.
Even if it ends in a flop, it’s a new experience you two had together. This helps build your bond and makes lasting memories together.
2. Don’t Forget the Small Stuff
Sure, big romantic gestures are nice every once in a while. But sometimes it’s the little surprises that mean more.
It shows that you are thinking about the other person, that you pay attention, and that you care. Try getting your partner’s favorite candy bar for them on a random Thursday.
Or maybe they love flowers, you could surprise them when you know they’ve had a tough week.
3. Cook Dinner Together
There is an old saying that couples who cook together will stay together. There is some truth in that. You have to communicate and work together to successfully cook together.
Plan one night a month where you both set aside an evening for you two. Put the kids to bed, turn off the phones, and just be with each other.
Pick a meal that you know you two will love. Then sit down and enjoy dinner together.
4. Get your Sweat On
Often as we get older exercise becomes low on the priority list. This leads to weight gain and feeling less sexy and confident about ourselves.
No one wants to get romantic when they aren’t feeling good about themselves. So why not do an activity together that can fix this.
Working out together means you can encourage, support, and hold each other accountable. It also gives you some time together.
Plus, there are the health benefits to working out, losing weight, and getting in better shape. Finally, there are the endorphins that get released while you work out. These will have you two feeling good and wanting to get it on.
5. Do a Twirl
Break out those old songs that were on the radio when you first started dating. Relive those days with a spin around the living room.
Feeling really adventurous, go for a night out on the town. Break out those old moves in the club.
6. Read a Book
You could do this a couple different ways depending on what you’re comfortable with. You could read a book out loud together.
Or you could start your own book club for just the two of you. Pick a book that you two will enjoy. Then discuss it over dinner. This is a great way to get you two talking again if things have become stale conversationally between you two.
7. Get Nostalgic
One of the best ways to get close again is to remind yourselves why you got together in the first place. Break out your old photo album and look through the memories.
Relive that awesome vacation you went on, maybe get inspired to plan another one? Look through the years and see all of the good and bad times you two have made it through.
This should inspire you to realize whatever you are going through now, you can handle.
8. Try Dating
They say that dependence breeds infidelity, so this suggestion is for couples who feel like their marriage could handle a third person. Just remember, before you try out any married dating sites, you need to be open, honest, and frank with your partner.
This is a safe way to explore fantasies that may have gone unfulfilled. Don’t use this as a band-aid to avoid addressing real problems in your marriage. Use this as a way of exploring you and your partner’s desires through open communication about sex.
9. Picnic Under the Stars
Plan a night where you leave the phones at home and have a midnight picnic under the stars. Depending on where you live, you could do it right in your backyard.
Find a big mat or blanket to lay down. Then pack some of your favorite goodies in a cooler. You could even make it super romantic with some music and candles.
Once you’re done eating lay back and just take in the stars and the beauty of the night. It will feel as if it’s just you two in the world.
10. Touch More
Physical touch creates intimacy between people. If you’ve stopped touching each other you are creating a physical barrier between you two.
You don’t have to go all out with a bear hug every time you see them. Try a subtler approach.
The next time your partner hands you something, keys, a pen, whatever, let your hand touch theirs. Then let it linger there a few seconds longer than normal. Your partner will notice, and you both will enjoy the touch. Voila, you’ve created a brief moment between you two.
How Will You Spice up Married Life for You and Your Partner?
Don’t feel like you are limited to the list here. If you two are the adventurous type then why not try something you’ve never done before?
If this isn’t your speed how about planning something you two used to do all the time but have stopped? Spicing up married life doesn’t have to be complicated or grand. You just need to put forth a little effort.
You should also check out these 10 romantic gifts any wife is sure to love.