Marriage isn’t easy. On top of having to work through some of life’s biggest stressors together, such as financial struggles, career growth, and raising children, you have to maintain a healthy and enjoyable relationship with your partner. This can be difficult, especially as the years go by. Nearly 50% of marriages dissolve by the 20-year mark, making this marriage milestone a major one for many couples. Whether you’re approaching your 20th anniversary or you just feel that your marriage isn’t what it used to be, there are plenty of ways you can light up that special spark again. Let’s take a look at three of those ways.
Slow Down and Talk
Many couples grow apart because they’re so preoccupied with their to-do lists. This hurried way of living can create distance between you and your partner. Instead, try to slow down your morning or evening routines to give yourself time to notice your partner. Take note of what they’re wearing or how they take their coffee. By making this minor behavioral change, you’ll reset your brain to change speed and you’ll start noticing your partner’s behaviors, patterns, and life once again.
Have Fun Together
One of the best ways to revitalize your marriage is to try to bring back some of the fun that might have faded away in recent years. You can do this by doing things that you did together at the start of your relationship or by trying new things. Even little things, like giving your partner flowers, can be extremely effective. About 86% of people say that they feel special when they receive flowers. If this is something you did a lot when you first started dating, bring back those good memories by getting the same flowers again.
If you want to try out new activities that can bring you together, don’t be afraid to get creative. You could play paintball, take a class, or speak in a different language with each other for a day. Anything that’s fun, creative, and a little silly can bring a sense of lightheartedness back into your marriage. These activities can also help you make new memories and commemorate how far your relationship has come.
Just Talk
Talking with your partner might seem like a basic building block of your marriage, but true conversations can be skipped in the bustle of everyday life. You might talk with them about what needs to be done around the house or who needs to drive the kids to school, but these aren’t conversations that are going to make you feel closer to each other. About 42% to 45% of first marriages end in divorce and many of them can likely be attributed to not talking enough.
Try to spend at least 10 minutes every day with your spouse and talk about things other than work, family, or your home. It could be something as small as what you saw that day or the thoughts you were having while you drove. These smaller talking points can often lead to deep insight into how one another feels.
By using these methods, you can put the spark back into your marriage. Try out these tips and see how your relationship starts to change.
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