Back to Basics: 12 Simple Ways to Inject Fun Back into Marriage
Ever feel like your marriage needs a little sprinkle of fun to kick things up a notch? Well, you’re not alone! Life can get busy, and sometimes we forget to keep the laughter alive. But fear not, because we’ve got your back.
No need for grand gestures or elaborate plans – we’re talking about easy, down-to-earth tips that’ll have you both grinning like newlyweds in no time. So grab your partner’s hand, get ready for some good times, and let’s rediscover the joy that made you say “I do” in the first place!
1. Carve Out Time for Each Other
Between work, school, church, and other family obligations (it’s especially hard to find time for romance when your children are little), it’s all too easy to get so busy that you barely have any time left for each other. Don’t let this happen.
Whether it’s once a week, once a month, or 15 minutes at the end of each day, carve out a special space for one-on-one time and intimate conversation. Put it on your calendar and guard it closely. After all, you can’t have fun together if you never spend any time together, can you?
Good marriages don’t just happen. You have to be intentional about it.
2. Surprise Each Other
That being said, you don’t have to wait until you can block out a chunk of time together before you can do something fun. There are plenty of little things you can do throughout the day to let your spouse know you’re thinking of them, and they only take a minute. If you know your spouse’s love language, that’s even better!
For example, you could:
- Surprise them with an extra long kiss – do it when they’re least expecting it.
- Leave sexy sticky notes where they’re sure to find them — in their sock drawer, on the bathroom mirror, alllll over the inside of the car 🙂
- Give them a back rub
- Make their favorite meal
- Write them a letter of appreciation for all of the things they’ve done for the family lately.
Get creative!
3. Get Silly
Who says that when you grow up, you have to be serious all the time? Let loose and get silly!
Surprise them with silly string, goofy glasses, or a water balloon fight. Tell corny jokes, have tickle fights, or arrange a hilarious scavenger hunt.
You can surprise your spouse when they wake up by putting sunglasses on a pineapple and having it sit on your kitchen counter. Or you can crab-walk down a busy, downtown sidewalk just to make them smile.
Sure, you run the risk of embarrassing yourself, but you’ll also get some hilarious stories to look back on. And isn’t a good marriage worth it?
4. Try Something New
What have you always wanted to learn, do or try that you’ve never gotten a chance to? Why not learn together?
Whether it’s something as adventurous as skydiving or as relaxing as paddle boating, learning something new together is a great way to keep things fresh, exciting, and interesting. Plus, there are all sorts of options for every budget and time frame, so you truly have no excuse.
5. Find New Reasons to Celebrate
When your child does really well on a math test at school, you make a big fuss over them! They love the attention and praise.
For moms, it’s so easy to make a fuss over children, but how often do you celebrate your spouse and your marriage? Sure there is Valentine’s Day and your anniversary, but is twice a year really enough?
So find things to celebrate.
Made it through a weekend with the in-laws? Awesome! Agreed on which couch to buy AND what paint color to use in the living room? That’s great! High fives and cupcakes for everyone! You’re rockin’ this marriage thing.
6. Choose to Be Positive
Sure, you could argue that those things aren’t really worth celebrating. You could argue that your marriage is broken, and your life is so bad that it isn’t worth celebrating at all. And maybe it is; no one knows every detail of your situation.
But the fact is — every day, you have a choice. You can choose to be positive and focus on the good things in life, or you can choose to be negative and focus on the bad.
Even if your home is falling apart, even if your spouse is a jerk, even if your sex life is non-existent, even if your husband watches porn, even if your kids hate you… You still have a choice. Make it a good one. And *hopefully* the rest of your family will follow along.
7. Be Affectionate
Is your spouse’s love language physical touch? Then a little physical affection is an absolute must. Don’t save it for the bedroom either – make it a part of your every day!
Kiss each other every time you leave and every time you return. Hold hands when out and about, even if it’s just at the grocery store. Grab each other’s bottoms as you walk by, or playfully graze a thigh when no one is looking.
8. Play Games Together
When was the last time you and your spouse busted out the board games? If it’s been a while, it might be time to pull them out and dust them off. A little friendly competition is a great way to have fun in marriage–and it can be done on next to no notice for next to no money!
Play a board game like Sorry or a card game like Uno (strip poker is always a good choice). Play along with a game show on TV, like Family Feud or Wheel of Fortune. Go out and play tennis or basketball, or set up a mini golf course right in your own backyard. Play by the rules or invent your own–just as long as you’re having fun!
Keep them G-rated and family-friendly for a little sweet fun, or put the kids to bed and try a sweet and sexy grown-up game — it’s up to you!
9. Daydream Together
What would you do if you won $1,000? What if you had a whole month off of work and nothing to do? What will you do once retirement age rolls around?
While these things may be unlikely or at least a ways off, they are sure fun to dream about! So, what would you do? What would your spouse do? Daydream together!
Plus, you may just decide your dreams and goals aren’t as crazy or unrealistic as you thought they might be… and maybe you could even come up with a plan for making them actually happen.
10. Let Go of the Little Things
Mad at your spouse about something? It happens.
But while minor irritations and annoyances may be unavoidable, the anger you feel after the fact doesn’t have to be.
Your husband doesn’t pick up his socks? Annoying, but not the end of the world. Your wife has gained a few pounds around her middle? Not fun, but it could be way worse.
Yes, if there are major issues, you will need to address them and deal with them, but for minor things, why not just let them go? The only thing nagging accomplishes is making people irritated, and chances are you have your fair share of annoying habits as well. (just sayin…)
11. Hire a Babysitter
Many couples with young kids just don’t get the alone time they used to have. Whether it’s a neighbor or family member, ask someone to take your kids for just a couple of hours – it will help you and your spouse connect without all the (wonderful) distractions.
If you don’t have someone to watch your kids, try skipping nap time and putting them to bed early. Then you and your spouse can order takeout and watch a movie by yourselves.
12. Send a Daily Encouraging Text
Sometimes the simplest effort makes the biggest impact. Try sending an uplifting message to your spouse at the same time every day. Here are some examples:
- I’m thinking of you – hope you’re having a great day.
- Can’t wait to see you this evening!
- I love you – drive safe and can’t wait to see you tonight!
- You’re on my mind! Love you.
- I miss you and love you – you’re a blessing to me.
Struggling to remember to text your spouse? Set an alarm on your phone for 11:11, 12:34, or whatever time works best for you, and then send your message!
Never in the Mood? Here’s How to Fix it
One common reason why marriages can become dull and boring is when the wife finds herself “never in the mood.”
This isn’t necessarily her fault, but it is something the couple needs to address.
Sometimes the easiest place to start is by figuring out what’s causing the problem or what obstacles may be getting in the way of this meaningful, bonding, and enjoyable time together.
Never in the Mood? Here are 4 Reasons Why (And 5 Ways to Fix it!)
Are You And Your Spouse More Like Roommates than Lovers?
Does your marriage feel more like mutually co-existing, rather than building a shared and enjoyable life together?
It’s a common stage that most marriages go through at some point, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to settle for it.
If you’re getting a little nervous about where your marriage is or where it’s headed, don’t worry. It’s never too late to change course and work towards intimacy.
If you’re not okay with being “just roommates,” there are two things you must work on constantly in your marriage relationship…
Read: When You and Your Spouse Feel More Like Roommates Than Lovers
25 Ways to Speak Your Spouse’s Love Language
Have you ever read The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman?
In this wildly popular book, Chapman explains that people generally best receive love in one of five ways.
Love your spouse in the “wrong” way (for them) and they’ll be far less likely or able to receive it.
Love them in the “right” way (again, for them!) and they’re far more likely to feel loved and appreciated.
25 Ways to Speak Your Spouse’s Love Language
5 Powerful Prayers Every Wife Should Pray Over Her Husband
Wives, do you pray for your husbands? Regularly? What do you pray for?
While you may find the time to build your husband up, you may have to admit — you haven’t always been the best at praying for your husband or your marriage throughout the years, but that’s okay!
It’s not because you don’t want to or because you don’t think it’s incredibly important — I am sure you do! — but simply because you don’t often remember to!
5 Powerful Prayers Every Wife Should Pray Over Her Husband
11 Adorable Biblical Baby Names That Are Still Popular Today (And Their Meanings)
Choosing a name for your baby is such a special experience. Their name is something that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Here are some currently popular baby names that are from the Bible and their meanings.
11 Adorable Biblical Baby Names That Are Still Popular Today (And Their Meanings)
