No one ever said that marriage would be easy and if you’ve been with your partner for several years or more, you’ve likely seen the more complicated side of saying “I do”. Whether your relationship is in a bit of a lull or you just want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your partner happy, these 5 tips are a great starting point for a healthy, happy marriage that can stand the test of time.
Always Remember Special Occasions
One of the biggest blunders married people make is letting special occasions slip their mind. While it might seem silly to celebrate after a few years together, it’s usually better to be safe than sorry. If you’re bad about remembering dates, write them down in your planner or schedule reminders on your phone for a day or week ahead of time. That way, you’ll have time to make any arrangements like ordering Mother’s Day orchids to show her how much you appreciate her as the mother to your children.
Don’t Stop Going on Dates
While dates as a married couple might be different than those you’d spent together as a new couple, they’re no less important now than they were then. One reason many couples feel like the spark in their relationship is dying is because they don’t spend enough quality time together. Make sure you set aside time to catch up with one another, enjoy each other’s company, and be present in the moment. It can be as simple as planning a movie night and making dinner at home, it’s just the thought that counts.
For some couples, setting a monthly or weekly date night that they can plan around is easiest if busy schedules are involved, but don’t forget to be spontaneous too. Planning a romantic dinner just because or booking a fun activity to try on the weekend can keep the excitement alive.
Communicate Openly
Communication is key to any functional relationship, especially with your spouse. From letting them know that you’re always there to listen to actively voicing your own concerns, it’s a two-way street that takes a lot of work and patience but is well worth it in the end. If you and your partner have a hard time opening up to one another on your own, consider going to couple’s therapy once a year or so just to make sure you’re on the same page. It can be a great tool, even if you’re not having issues in your relationship.
And remember, communication isn’t just about addressing problems or working on your marriage. You should also remember to compliment them, tell them you love them, and share the exciting things in your life with them.
Travel Together
It can be difficult for anyone to get away and make time for travel, especially when you and your spouse have conflicting work schedules. However, taking a trip to a romantic destination can be a great opportunity to make memories with your partner, explore places you might want to live in the future, or even just take that honeymoon you never got around to. Whether you’re looking for a romantic city or reclusive get away where you can have some privacy, there are plenty of places to travel with your spouse no matter your budget.
Have Your Own Hobbies
While it’s important to prioritize spending time with your spouse, you also need to have some interest outside of each other. After all, having some alone time allows you each your own space to breath a bit. Whether you plan game night with your coworkers, take an occasional girls trip with friends, or join an athletic group you participate in a few times a week, it’s good to have your own things going on. Needing or wanting a break from your partner’s company doesn’t mean you love them any less, it just means you can benefit from some “you time” every once in a while.
Plus it will give them time to catch up on their own hobbies, hang out with their friends, or even just relax for a few hours to recover from a busy week. Remember, you don’t need to do everything together to have a close, meaningful relationship.
While marriage is complex and every relationship is different, keeping these tips in mind can help you put in a conscious effort to maintain a happy, healthy marriage.