Your Marriage Isn't a Lost Cause
Our everyday lives are jammed with packed lunches, school pick-ups, and too many hours in the office. With so many distractions, it’s easy to forget about our relationship’s intimacy meter. Many mistake intimate acts for time in the bedroom, but there are so many other ways to get close to your partner. Come with us as we share a few tips that get your marriage back on the right track.
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1. Hold Hands
Hand-holding is that anticipatory spark often displayed in rom-coms or chick lit—and there’s a good reason for it. It’s a romantic gesture that brings you closer and reignites any fizzled passion in the relationship. Don’t underestimate the power of this simple move; a little skin-on-skin contact goes a long way.
2. Take on Some Chores
Tackle your partner’s chores every so often. In the throes of busy parenthood, there’s nothing better than seeing the dishes taken care of or the bed already made. It lightens your partner's load and lets them know you were thinking about them.
3. Talk to Each Other
It sounds simple, but communication is often one of the first things to break down in a marriage. We’re not talking about coordinating soccer practice or a simple “good morning” either. True intimacy flares during deep conversations. Sit down with your partner and talk about something that matters.
4. Show Vulnerability
It’s tempting to hide our vulnerability, even from those we’re closest to. However, letting your guard down is the ultimate way to bond. It shows your partner just how much you trust them and can bring you closer. It's an even bigger gesture when you haven't reached out in a while.
5. Discover New Hobbies
You have your hobbies, they have theirs—but there’s no reason not to discover new ones together. Whether it’s finding a new show on Netflix or building Lego models, new hobbies always give you something to do together. It can also be a stepping stone to spending more time together and learning new things about each other.
6. Play Their Favorite Music
The next time you’re in the car, turn on a station you know they love. You’d be surprised just how appreciative partners get over the littlest reminder that you know them. If you're headed on a long road trip, you can also give them the AUX cord!
7. Cuddle Each Other
Plopped in front of the TV for a night of bad movies? Invite your partner to cuddle! If you really want to embrace your silly sides, build a blanket fort and watch that reality show off your laptop.
8. Laugh Together
Couples who laugh together stay together. From goofy inside jokes to playful jostling, laughter’s not only good for the soul, it’s good for your relationship, too. The good news is that the longer you've been together, the more inside jokes you'll have in the bank. Not only that, but discovering new hobbies together can also bring out the smiles.
9. Buy Random Gifts
Everyone has a different love language, which is often what makes them so special. For those who aren’t overly touchy or the best wordsmiths, impromptu presents get the message across. Gestures don’t have to be anything more than their favorite candy bar either.
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10. Vocalize Your Appreciation
Sure, your partner probably knows how much you care—but why not remind them every once in a while? A simple “I love you” is more than enough on a bad day, just like a little appreciation can warm their hearts.
11. Take a Good Walk
Some time in nature never hurt anyone. It certainly won’t hurt your relationship, so grab your running shoes and head for the trail! Walking hand-in-hand on your lunch breaks is a small way to improve intimacy and keep your foundation strong, but you can always make time after dinner, too.
12. Heartfelt Compliments
Genuine compliments are far more meaningful than the surface-level stuff. Authenticity proves you’re paying attention and actually mean the words, which is a noticeable difference partners pick up on. Though compliments can touch on the exterior, something deeper like a kind word about their laughter is actually much better.
13. Lengthy Hugs
No, we don’t mean the horizontal hugs—we’re talking about a long embrace after a hard day or a good squeeze just because. Couples don’t hug half as much as they should, so hopping on the bandwagon is a nice change of pace.
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14. Visit Memory Lane
Do you remember how you met? What about where you went for your first date? Indulging in a little nostalgia brings couples together. Go through your highlight reel and relive all the butterflies. If you want to make the trip sweeter, you can even recreate some memories.
15. Think About the Future
On the other hand, planning for the future is always a good sign of a healthy relationship. Sit down with your partner and talk about some achievable goals. It’s always nice to know you’re on the same page and have a place in your partner’s future.
16. Share Interests
It’s true what they say: opposites attract. In fact, it’s one of the most wonderful things about a relationship! Even if you have completely different hobbies, don’t shy away from sharing them with your partner. Letting them in on your passions only stokes the flame.
17. Have a Bath Together
We know this sounds like a one-way ticket to the boudoir, but baths can just be a relaxing, intimate time. Between mountains of bubbles and scented candles, there’s nothing else to do but bask in each other’s company.
18. A Good Massage
No one’s ever turned down a sensual massage, and why would you? It’s an effective way to build intimacy, ease muscle tension, and you don’t have to go any further that a gentle shoulder rub. Of course, if that massage leads to something else, that's just one more way to connect.
19. Take Care of Yourself
People are often so caught up in wanting to please their partners that they neglect self-care. But don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. However you unwind after a long day, de-stressing is just as important as rekindling intimacy. After all, it's hard to canoodle with your beau when you're stressed.
20. Prioritize Intimacy
Intimacy is never a one-and-done deal. Put in the time to smooth any rough patches or get closer to your partner. Monotony in a relationship is the very thing that dooms it, so take these tips to heart. Pencil in weekly date nights, compliment each other, and never forget why you fell in love.
