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Valentines Day is a day of romance to celebrate your sweetheart. Let’s not fool ourselves by thinking we can just cruise through our marriage without working at it. I have noticed that any time I drift through life I am sliding backwards not moving ahead. It is no different in a marriage relationship. It is too easy to drift through married life only to suddenly discover you are headed for divorce. Let this Valentines Day be a reminder to you to enhance your marriage, not just for one day, but for the rest of your life. Here are nine ways to stir romance in your partner and put the spark back in your relationship. You too can add zip and pizzazz to your marriage.
1. Schedule weekly dates with your partner. Set aside one night a week and take turns planning the date. Why stop dating just because you are married?
2. Develop open communication by sharing ideas, thoughts, concerns, joys and sorrows with each other. Go for a half hour walk together each day.
3. Be romantic with each other. Flowers, special meals, gifts, love notes, hugs, acts of kindness or words of encouragement. Find out what turns your loved one on.
4. If your sex life has gone stale, read books or listen to tapes on the subject. (I recommend Ed Wheat’s material found at Christian Book Stores)
5. Accept your partner fully. Stop trying to change him/her and focus on changing yourself. Take notice of all the good qualities and freely hand out sincere complements.
6. Plan a second honeymoon. Once in a while plan a weekend away at a hotel for just the two of you. Go out for dinner, do something that’s fun, watch a love show, go for a swim, each chocolate or have a fondue.
7. Make time for yourself. If you feel tired and stressed, rejuvenate yourself by taking care of your own needs. Don’t expect your partner to meet all your needs.
8. Decorate your bedroom for romance. Put a lock on the door, play soft relaxing music, light candles, use soft sheets, massaging oils, soothing smells, favourite colours, flowers, or whatever brings you pleasure.
9. Simplify your lifestyle. Slow down. Most couples are too tired for each other. They are working so hard, just to get the bills paid, that they seldom have a chance to enjoy each other. Ask yourself where you can cut back and start saying “no” to other time wasters.
Your Valentine will be delighted as you take an active part in applying some of these tips. Remember to celebrate every day together. Your sweetheart will keep coming back for more.