2.5 Years In: 10 Ways We Keep Our Marriage Healthy (And How You Can, Too)
A couple of months ago, two of our friends got hitched. After the wedding, we wanted to send them a card to complement our gift. We figured we’d do what every other married couple does – give unsolicited advice, but hopefully in a fun, practical way.
Instead of reserving our wisdom (see opinions and experiences) exclusively for our offline friends, we wanted to share our tips with you as well. So, new online friend, here are 10 things we do to keep our marriage spry:
- Shower together often.
- Schedule a date night each week and put it on the calendar.
- Hug, kiss, and pray together each morning before going to work.
- Help each other around the house. Bonus points if you do it without being asked.
- Never commit to anything without first checking with your spouse.
- Together, read The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman and Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by Dr. John Gray.
- Don’t let three days pass without having sex.
- At the end of each day, ask each other “What do you need from me?”
- Spend time alone or with other friends on a regular basis.
- Read a devotional together each day. (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young is a great option. Short and sweet.)
That’s it! Simple enough, huh?
Now, please don’t see this as wisdom from two sages. A few things on this list we decided to do intentionally before we got married, but most of these were stumbled into accidentally, stolen from another couple with more life experience than us or gleaned through a tough time in our marriage. Consider this us paying it forward.
I’ve personally learned these basic actions work because they help you maintain a physical, emotional and spiritual connection with your spouse despite the pull of life’s commitments.
Will you give the list a shot? If you’re married, is there something you and your spouse regularly do that we should consider adding? If you’re not married, is there something you’ve heard from others that you’d like to do after getting hitched? Let us know in the comments section below!