For better or worse, for richer or poorer. We know the vows we made just a few, or possibly many years ago, but often we forget the things that we used to do before saying those vows. You know, the things we did with our spouses when we were dating, back when the mere mention of their name would cause little flutters in the stomach.
I’m talking about when you were smitten with the thought of him, there were things you were doing, but now you aren’t. I know I’ve been there, and here are a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
Good Morning and Good Evening Kisses
When you wake in the morning and before bed each night, kiss him. You used to wait all day to touch your lips to his, but after a few years of marriage, this becomes something we take for granted and forget to do. Make it a habit, every single day. Better yet, make sure your children see you smooch; they need to see the tenderness is still alive.
Make Yourself Beautiful, Every Day
When you are toting around a toddler, nursing a new baby, and managing a household, it is often too easy to simply brush our teeth, let alone put on some make-up. Who has time for a full face of makeup when chasing little ones around, and not even sure you can leave them unattended to shower? Find some time to spruce up a bit.
Massage His Shoulders
Before you were married this may have been taboo–there is the old adage that massages always have ulterior motives. Whether you have an ulterior motive or not, give him a good sound massage, add a kiss on the neck too if you want to make your intentions well known.
Meet Him for Lunch
Sneak out of the house for a lunch date, even if it requires finding a sitter for an hour. Pack something from home or meet him at a restaurant, just the two of you. Make sure you followed tip #2, you don’t want to show up in your workout gear.
Date Him
There is nothing more important than keeping up the romance in your marriage. Sooner than you realize, the children will be gone and it will be just the two of you, you don’t want to have to wait until then to get reacquainted. Keep it spicy now, wear something special, be creative in where you go and have fun. Let him know you still want to be with him, and that you enjoy his company. Make goo-goo eyes at him and remember, all over again, why you married him in the first place.
Less stress, more peace.
A simple, 5 day series with clear, actionable steps you can begin today to become a more peaceful and joyful mom.
We are guilty of stopping all this since having children. I hope things will get easier once we’re out of the toddler stage and the children grow a little and perhaps go to bed on time! I’ve decided I want us to try and get away more together and have managed to have one night away this year and we have another booked at the end of July. It’s so important to spend quality time just the two of us, even if it is rare #brillblogposts
It is important. Don’t feel too down though. We have toddlers now, but we also have teens who can babysit. There was a time when I had 3, 3 and under! It felt so hard to keep on top of things. Of course, now I look back, and I have the best memories and miss those days. LOL The days are long but the years are short. <3 My husband and I did a lot of "home dates" back then.
I think we could all use a little reminder to date our spouses.
Thanks for sharing!
Yes! Even a simple home date or a lunch date can be so refreshing.
I think it’s great too to encourage creative outlets for both spouses. I love photography and blogging, my hubby loves photography and building things. It’s great to have something creative to do when you’re bored or frustrated!
Yes! Absolutely! I used to feel guilty about taking time for hobbies and my husband would almost have to tell me to just go, that he had things under control. It not only helped me feel refreshed as a mom, but it spilled over into our marriage too. And when you have hobbies that you can do together, even better!
Love this post! It has only been two years since my husband and I said I Do. However, It gives me hope that if I fight to keep it the way we where when we first got married it is possible to keep the spark alive.
Absolutely. 🙂 We’ve been married going on 19 years now, and the years really do go by so fast.
This is such good advice! You really do have to work at a marriage to make it the best it can be – and I love these ideas for helping make your husband feel special. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Hearth and Soul.
You’re welcome, April! 🙂 I hope another wife is encouraged and inspired. And it’s always great to see you here. 🙂