16 Simple Ways to Keep the Spark Alive in Your Marriage
Have you ever noticed older couples sitting together, sharing laughs or holding hands, and wondered how they keep their marriage so strong? The secret isn’t hard to guess—it’s all about effort. A happy, lasting marriage doesn’t just happen on its own. It takes patience, care, and showing love even during life’s tough moments. Small actions, like being kind, forgiving, and thoughtful, can make a big difference. To help you strengthen your bond, here are 16 simple daily habits that can create a loving and lasting marriage.
Start Each Day with a Loving Greeting
Kick off your morning with a heartfelt “good morning” and a smile that shows you care. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in reminding your partner how much they mean to you. Even when things get hectic, taking just a moment to connect can really set the tone for the day. This simple habit can make your relationship stronger and happier in the long run.
Check-In
No matter what’s going on in your life, always ask your partner how they feel at least once a day. This is a good way to show interest in their life while also giving you suggestions on how to behave throughout the day. For instance, if your partner is stressed, try being a bit nicer with him today by bringing him a nice cup of tea.
Make Time for Each Other
None of us has the time to dedicate hours to our partners. However, you can adopt daily habits that help you spend time together. For instance, you can try to have at least one meal per day sitting at the same table or snuggling for a few minutes before going to sleep.
Little Surprises
After years of marriage, we often take each other for granted, but this is a massive mistake. When was the last time you surprised your partner with a tiny present? If you cannot remember, it’s time to do so now. Go outside and head to his favorite bakery to buy a delicious pastry.
Celebrating the Little Things
The key to a happy marriage lies in celebrating the little things in life. These can be small purchases or the completion of a personal goal. Finding joy in the little things and sharing it with your partner fills your relationship with positive energy. Every day becomes a little more special, and both of you feel satisfied.
I Love You
Some people believe that saying ‘I love you’ too often will somehow diminish the power of these words. We couldn’t disagree more. If you love your partner, make sure to remind them every single day. You may even make it a rule to say these words at least once a day, no matter how mad you are with each other.
Thank You
Together with ‘I love you,’ ‘thank you’ are the other magical words you want to say often. Did your partner wash the dishes? ‘Thank you!’ Did your partner cook a delicious breakfast? ‘Thank you!’ Did your partner clean the whole house while you were at work? ‘Thank you!’ Showing appreciation is fundamental for long-term happiness.
Hugs
While physical touch may not be the preferred love language of some people, it is often crucial to show your partner you love them. Never spend a whole day without touching each other, whether it’s a soft kiss on the cheek in the morning, a hug when you see each other after work, or a walk in the park holding hands.
Give Each Other Space
Spending time alone is just as important as spending time together. Every day, you should do something related to self-care. We don’t necessarily mean a warm bath or a massage from a professional masseuse, but whatever makes you happy, whether journaling, meditating, or studying.
Sleep
Some people claim that the perfect recipe for long-term happiness is going to sleep together every night, but we disagree. Sleep is fundamental for your well-being. Going to sleep at a time that doesn’t work for you will only make you feel extra tired the next morning, affecting your whole day. So, go to sleep whenever you want.
Talking
Don’t wait to share your thoughts about whether your partner did something you do not approve of or that caused you negative emotions. Talking about how you feel, whether you’re experiencing jealousy, anger, or frustration, is always the first step to healing.
Compromise
No matter how aligned you are, you will surely disagree on something in the long run. This is why you should learn how to compromise. Whether it’s which movie to watch, which café to go to, or what to eat for dinner, married life is all about knowing how to compromise.
Avoid Assumption
Happy couples always avoid making assumptions. This applies to all aspects of life. For instance, don’t take for granted that your partner is ok with all your friends coming for dinner without asking first. Don’t assume your partner is angry at you because he didn’t say ‘good morning,’ and so on.
Laughing
Laughing together will help you strengthen your bond. When was the last time you shared a good laugh? Try to be silly and flirt with each other again. You may also decide to watch a comedy you love or a stand-up comedian you admire.
New Activities
When was the last time you and your partner did something you never tried before? The last time you took the car and drove to a city you never visited? Or the last time you went to a new cafè? Experiencing new things together will help you create new memories, strengthening your bond.
Make Peace
The ability to forgive is crucial for long-term happiness. Are you still holding a grudge for something your partner did weeks – or maybe even months – ago? It’s time to let go! You can never focus on the present if you keep thinking about the past. So forgive your partner and move on.
More For You
Did you like our suggestions, but are you craving more? No problem! We’ve got you covered. Here are some things to avoid if you want your relationship to last.
This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.
