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Thirty-seven years ago this week, Terry tenderly rubbed the top of my hands as he said, “I do.” Actually, he said it twice, “I do, I do.” We were eager to marry and made our promises before family and friends. We dared to dream of a fairytale life as we ran out of the church under a rain of rice.
Thirty-seven years later, I can say our marriage has been messy, but our love has grown deeply. Honestly, we are just two imperfect individuals who forgive often. We have learned to laugh and to love. We strive to add flirtation and fun in the relationship because this little thing called love is hard work.
So, what's a gal to do? I give thirty-seven random ways to add a little spice to any marital relationship. How about you? What do you and your mate do to keep your marriage fresh?
Enjoy!
Do something each day to make your spouse laugh.
Date often. Distant date, if you have to. Facetime or Zoom to stay connected if one spouse travels for work.
When you think of something great about your partner, stop immediately and text him/her your thoughts.
Praise your partner in front of the kiddos.
Go to bed naked.
Invest in experiences to be enjoyed instead of buying more stuff.
Spend the weekends together.
Find a tv series you both like; make some popcorn and enjoy the show.
Try a new restaurant together. Order a new dish and share.
Rub his/her back, feet, or whatever you and your partner desire.
Wear that outfit he/she likes. Ladies, wear your bright red lipstick.
Eat dessert for dinner with no guilt.
Relax together with a good book and great coffee.
Be his/her biggest cheerleader.
Dream together.
Set common life goals.
Be his/her partner in crime. Promise to help bury the body and not tell. (Kidding, but you get the idea)
Snuggle.
Eat lots of sugar.
Exercise together.
Dance in the kitchen.
Get away for the weekend . . . just the two of you.
Give a meaningful gift, whether it is a power tool or lingerie!
Never threaten with divorce. In fact, just drop it from your vocabulary.
Prepare a nice dinner and use your fine china and candlelight.
Do his hobby together (Such as hunting or playing golf) and then do your hobby together (shopping, relaxing by the pool, etc)
Meet in the middle when there is conflict. Makeup in the middle of your bed.
Share the household chores.
Tell your spouse what you love about him/her. Start from the top of his head and move to his toes.
Truly believe in your mate. Don’t give up on him/her. If you don’t believe in him, who will?
Forgive freely.
Love tightly.
Laugh often.
Cry softly.
Drop the excuses.
Lift the expectations.
Kiss his face.
Honeymoon in Gatlinburg, Tn
Trying new things in Israel
Revisiting our Honeymoon Destination 30 years later
Celebrating Christmas at our HomeChurch Concord, NC
Mt Pleasant, NC 2019
“Love is patient, and love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV