5 Ways to Keep the Spark alive in Your Marriage

It takes time and efforts to maintain and grow a marital relationship. Keeping the Spark in Your Marriage alive throughout is not a very easy task. Things many people consider insignificant and tend to ignore can result in marital boredom and ruin the relationship. Given below is a Guest Post by Blogger Mary Edwards on the different ways to keep the married life fresh and strong.

At some point in time, everyone sees those married couples that still seem so blissfully in love after years of marriage and you stop to wonder what it is that they’re doing that’s so right. Let’s be honest, marriage is not an easy task to undertake. Living with the same person day in and day out can be a trying experience, even in the most solid of relationships. Little things can start to add up into things that are driving you crazy. Add in work, pets, and kids to the mix and sometimes it can seem overwhelming. However despite all the challenges that accompany marriage, there are ways to keep that fire ignited.

1. Never stop dating:When you first got together with your spouse you probably went out on dates regularly. Now that you’re married you still need to go on dates without the kids and without any technology. Dates are a time that you focus on one another with no distractions. That means no phone calls, texts or emails. This is a time to focus on and celebrate one another.
2. Don’t stop trying to impress your partner:Remember how you used to get dressed up just to see your partner, or how you planned little surprises for them for no other reason than just to see them smile? You still need to do little things every now and then to impress your significant other. Maybe it’s buying them flowers randomly, or leaving a note telling them you love them in their lunch. These little gestures can go a long way in showing that you still are completely enamored with them. 
3. Make time to talk:Whether it’s carving out time for a cup of coffee together in the morning or relishing a glass of wine together at night, set aside time every day to talk to one another. Far too often people rush around every day and never say more than a few words to their spouse. Be sure to ask them how their day was and really listen to what they have to say. Show them that their day is important to you.
4. Find something to do together: Take up a hobby that you both enjoy. Maybe it’s going on a weekly hike or taking a photography class or just buying different Group ons to try out new activities. One of the key elements to keeping your marriage fresh is branching out and trying new things – if all else fails you’ll at least get a good laugh and a story out of the experience! 
5. Embrace Time to Yourself:One of the most important parts of having a successful marriage is making the time to do things by yourself that you enjoy. Too often we lose sight of who we are as an individual which inevitably results in the infamous mid-life crisis. Make time to do the things you love to do by yourself, even if it’s just reading a book for a few hours or going golfing a few times a month.With the divorce rate steadily climbing, marriage can seem like an insurmountable task sometimes. However it’s a journey that is continually evolving and one that should be openly embraced. It won’t always be perfect, but who wants perfect anyway? 

About the Author: Mary Edwards is one of the contributors and editors for dating sites. She is passionate about thought leadership writing, regularly contributes to various career, social media, public relations, branding, and parenting and online dating communities. She can be reached at edwardsmary936@gmail.com

Image Courtesy : Marcel Oosterwijk

Should I stay in my Marriage or Opt out?

“Should I stay in my Marriage or Opt out?” is one question I have been asked several times. I think that is a Question they have to ask themselves and not me. No matter what anyone has to say on the subject one has to weigh the pros and cons of the relationship and then make a decision on whether they need to save their marriage or they would want to get a Divorce.

Many couples who took their time in choosing their partner and getting into marriage unfortunately do not put much effort to salvage a relationship when it gets sour. Instead they choose the cowards way out and decide that Divorce is the answer for their martial problems even when it is possible to fix the problems between couples. Also many tend to overlook their own mistakes and point fingers at their partners. I have always been a firm believer of ‘what you give is what you get’ principle and that is not wrong too. If someone is behaving to us in a particular manner then most likely we are responsible for that. So before pointing fingers at your spouse first think what you are doing wrong and fix it. Maybe that could help you to save your Marriage. Think of what you would lose or gain if you stick on to the marriage before making the decision to opt out.

You have invested a lot on your marriage, so do not give up without an attempt to salvage it by understanding what is wrong and then fixing it.

If your Partner is in need of help to get rid of addictions or abusive behavior get him help.

Consider those who would be affected by your Divorce like your Children and Parents.

Communicate with your Partner because many times we can’t see what we are doing wrong. Also talk about your dreams and expectations from the relationship.

Try changing things you are doing wrong and being a better partner.

Love can move mountains. Send some unconditional love your partner’s way.

Spend time with your Spouse and make your spouse know that you value the relationship.

Do not ignore the warning signs that may affect your marriage negatively. Try to fix them without delay.

Show your partner that you love him/her and genuinely care for the relationship to run smoothly.

Appreciate your partner when they do something good.

Even Sexless Marriages can survive. But never reach a stage when you are not touching each other. If not sex at least keep the touch on.

Remember, your happiness depends on you. It is a state of mind you have to develop. Do not depend too much on your spouse to make you happy or meet your needs. Find ways to do it yourself.

Do not let Relationship Boredom creep into your Marriage.

Before giving up your Marriage completely visit a Marriage Councilor for help to salvage your Marriage.

And finally after giving some time and energy to make your Marriage work ask yourself “Would you be happy with him/her or without them in your life”

Are you going to save your marriage and stop your Divorce or opt out of the relationship? Now you know what you need to do and where you need to go.

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