Studies have shown that the seven-year itch is a real thing. It isn’t easy to keep the romance alive in marriages. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to put some balm over that itch—and you don’t have to empty your bank account to do it.
Dating your spouse helps to keep the romance alive
Here are just a few practical and affordable ideas for romancing your spouse to help keep your marriage alive and thriving.
Invest in Experiences Instead of Objects
While there’s nothing wrong with buying a present for your spouse, you shouldn’t feel limited or defined by what you can physically purchase. Sometimes, the greatest gifts are ones you feel instead of unwrap.
For example, you might:
- take your spouse to a movie they’ve been dying to see
- you might revisit the mini-golf course where you had your first date
They’ll remember the love and romance of the gesture long after the experience itself is over.
Leave the Kids at Home
It’s important to have quality time with your spouse without the kids around. Not only will you be able to drop the “mom” or “dad” face for a few hours, but you’ll also have the chance to connect with your partner without a backdrop of crayons and spaghetti stains. You can:
- talk
- laugh
- share your dreams for the future
- relax for a little while
Your relationship with your spouse is the foundation of your entire family, so it’s good to nurture it.
Start Small
You don’t have to plan an elaborate date night, or travel long distances for an exotic weekend getaway. It’s entirely possible to have a fun, fulfilling evening with nothing more than a shared bowl of ice cream after the kids have gone to bed. Most of the time, when people talk about getting the magic back with their spouse, all they really want is one thing. They want to recapture feelings of intimacy and affection that have been forgotten in the busy hustle of raising kids and daily life. But you can get it back again, and you don’t need white tablecloths or picturesque beaches to do it.
Look for Deals and Discounts
On the other hand, if you genuinely desire a trip to the beach, you can make it happen without breaking the bank. The trick is to look for deals and discounts.
For example, if you’re willing to wait for the off-season, you can usually find travel packages with reduced airfare and hotel prices. If you can get a couple of your married friends to join your spa date, you can take advantage of a two-for-one coupon.
If you like to enjoy a nice glass of wine together on the weekends but don’t have a lot of room in the budget for extras, be on the lookout for a wine sale. It’s all about paying attention to price and sales. The possibilities are endless once your eyes are open.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your love alive, these are just a few tactics that you might consider. Try to remember that money isn’t nearly as important as the strength of your feelings and the dedication of your heart.
Author Bio: Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.
