Read our six tips for keeping the love going and your marriage strong, in honour of National Spouses Day.
Marriage is a bit like a garden. At first, it’s full of fresh blooms, excitement, and adventure. But over time, the initial thrill can settle into something a little more routine. Life’s busyness, work pressures, and family commitments can all cause that spark you once had to dim – or even fizzle out. However, don’t fret! National Spouses’ Day on 26th January is the perfect excuse to breathe some fresh life into your marriage and keep the love, laughter, and connection going strong. So, how do you keep that flame burning brightly even when you’ve been together for years? Here are six fun and simple ways to do just that.
1. Make time for each other
Modern life is packed with distractions – managing careers, social lives, and family responsibilities can leave you with little time to spend with your partner. And before you know it, your relationship might begin to feel more like a comfortable routine than a passionate partnership. To keep the spark alive, it’s essential to make time for each other, no matter how busy life gets.
Set up a regular date night every week, away from these other responsibilities. Whether it’s dinner at home, a walk in the park, or a cheeky Netflix binge, it’s the quality of time you spend together that matters. Just remember – no phones allowed! Put away the screens, so you can connect properly. You don’t need a fancy night out to make it special. Sometimes, just being in each other’s company with no distractions can be more romantic than a candlelit dinner at a five-star restaurant.
2. Create shared and separate interests
Having hobbies in common is a brilliant way to stay connected with your spouse. It’s an opportunity to bond over something you both enjoy, whether it’s cooking, hiking, or playing board games. Taking up something new together can also inject some fun into your routine – couples’ cooking classes, pottery workshops, or even learning a new language are great ideas. You’ll not only have fun but also get to experience something new as a team.
That said, it’s also important to have separate interests. Spending too much time together, without any room for individual activities, can create tension. So, go ahead and indulge in your own passions, too. Giving each other space allows both of you to grow as individuals, which ultimately strengthens your relationship.
3. Vocalise your appreciation
It’s easy to take each other for granted after years of marriage. But don’t forget the power of a simple “thank you” or a heartfelt compliment. Acknowledging the little things your partner does can have a big impact. Whether it’s thanking them for making the dinner or telling them you love the way they laugh, these small acts of appreciation will remind you both of what you cherish about each other. A little praise goes a long way in keeping the connection strong.
4. Make an effort to impress
Just because you’ve been married for years doesn’t mean you should stop trying to impress each other. The excitement of those first dates may be a distant memory, but there are plenty of ways to reignite that sense of curiosity and admiration. Leave little notes, surprise them with a thoughtful gesture, or dress up just for them. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend getaway or a candlelit dinner at home, make sure you’re still finding ways to show you care.
5. Be adventurous
When was the last time you did something completely out of the ordinary together? Being adventurous doesn’t mean you have to go skydiving or book an impromptu trip to a far-flung destination (though that could be fun!). It could be something as simple as trying a new restaurant, taking a different route home from work, or even experimenting with a new hobby. Changing things up every now and then will keep the excitement flowing and help remind you why you fell in love in the first place.
6. Keep communicating
Last but definitely not least, communication is the cornerstone of any successful marriage. Make sure you’re both feeling heard and understood. It’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of daily routines, but checking in with each other, talking about your feelings, and discussing your dreams (even the silly ones) will keep your connection strong. Sometimes, just sitting down and having a good chat can make all the difference in keeping that emotional spark alive.