7 Fun Ways to Rekindle the Spark in Your Marriage ...

1. Take a Class

There’s something about a shared experience that strengthens the bond you feel with your husband and it's also a great way to rekindle the spark. It doesn’t matter what kind of class you take, but look for something that’s new to both of you. That way you can talk about it beforehand and you’ll have plenty to discuss during and after the class too. Try an ethnic cooking class, a swing dance lesson or even skydiving. The point is to spend time together doing something new and different.

2. Set Aside Time to Talk

Life gets busy. We all know that. Between careers, housework, fun and maybe even a couple of kids, your marriage can end up on the back burner. That isn’t good, but many couples feel that it’s inevitable and they can get back on track when things settle down. The truth is, it doesn’t take that long to connect. Set aside 15 minutes a day to simply sit and talk with each other. This might be as you lay down for bed or while you cook dinner together. The point is to have a scheduled time to talk each and every day. You’ll feel closer, I promise.

3. Be Affectionate

This doesn’t mean you have to end up in bed together several times a day. Affectionate gestures are an easy and fast way to let your husband know you care about him and want to be close to him. Hug for a few seconds before you leave for work, kiss each other when you arrive home at night, hold hands at the mall, or snuggle on the couch while you watch your favorite show. These simple things create intimacy that keeps you feeling close to each other, even when you’re too tired for more.

4. Buy Surprise Gifts

You don’t have to break the bank or do this every day, but a spontaneous gift is a great way to show your love. Chances are if you do it for your husband, he’ll take the cue and do the same for you soon. A gift might be anything from his favorite coffee drink on Sunday morning while he sleeps in, a new box of his favorite cereal or having lunch delivered to his office. The surprise means more than the gift, actually, and lets him know that you think about him when you aren’t together.

5. Plan a Date

No doubt you’ve heard the importance of date night. Yes, it does give you and your husband the chance to hang out together doing something you enjoy. For many couples, budgets, kids and conflicting schedules make it hard to plan a date. Never fear – you can have a date night at home. My husband and I have resorted to Subway and television after the kids are in bed. Or nachos and beer on the patio on a summer night. The point isn’t how much you spend or what you do, but is that you’re spending time together doing something you both enjoy and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

6. Write a List

Sounds boring, right? This activity can be really enlightening. Grab two pieces of paper and two pens and spend at least 10 minutes writing down things you love and appreciate about each other. This can make you both feel good and remind one another that love is there, even if your night consists of walking the dog, correcting your kid’s homework, making dinner and cleaning the bathroom before you fall into bed exhausted. Maybe finding out your husband likes watching you cook will make it less tedious.

7. Plan a Getaway

It doesn’t have to be a week in Bermuda. Even an overnight stay in your own hometown works. Getting away from your everyday life and taking the chance to focus on each other is a perfect way to strengthen your marriage and remember why you fell in love with each other in the first place. By all means, take a week-long cruise if finances and time allow, but if not, don’t despair. Book a room downtown and check out a restaurant you’ve never tried.

Is it hard to keep your marriage a priority? Life sure does get in the way, sometimes. What do you think will work for you?