Rekindling the Spark in a Long-Term Marriage

People tend to work very hard to get into that “once in a lifetime” relationship. The honeymoon phase of courting and dating requires great effort to let the other know that they are special, that they are “the one.”

Falling in love with your partner for the first time is all-consuming. Maintaining the love and affection once a relationship is well-established also requires effort. Often the responsibilities of life, work, and children may get in the way of focusing on the love and happiness that one feels toward his or her spouse. Your spouse may start to feel more like your roommate than your lover. It is possible, and actually enjoyable, to recapture the romance and fall back in love.

There are many things that married couples can learn from newly-dating couples to help rekindle their spark and keep their marriage their number one priority. Here are a few:

• Affection.
  Hand-holding, hugging and kissing are all forms of physical contact which are important in staying connected with one’s spouse. Kissing hello and goodbye and before bed should never be taken for granted. Walking hand in hand gives that warm connection spouses need.

  Never underestimate the power of the 20-second hug. It reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and releases oxytocin, which promotes strong bonding between loved ones.

• Flirting.
  Flirting can make your spouse feel special and show that you are attracted to him or her. Texting something cute and flirty during the day shows that you are thinking of each another.
• Listening.
  Hearing and caring about your spouse’s day shows him or her that he or she is important to you. Listening to each other’s stories helps promote stronger connections for couples.
• Dating.
  Dressing up and going out together helps strengthen your bond. Taking the time to dress up demonstrates to your spouse that he or she matters to you. Try new restaurants, explore new places, and go on adventures together. Having fun and laughing with each other is a great way to keep the spark alive.
• Gifts.
  Bringing home small gifts, treats, or flowers for no other reason than you were thinking of your partner lets him or her know that he or she is special to you; that he or she is loved. Picking out the gifts helps the gifter continue those smitten feelings toward their loved one.

It’s easy to forget to do these simple things when we get into the rut of daily life.

After living with someone for years, it is easy to build up resentment. Feelings of an unequal partnership can arise, with child rearing, chores and errands tending to be the main culprits. Letting go of these resentments, however, is important. Bitter feelings can end up leading to the deterioration of love, admiration, and rapport created over years of being together. Taking a good look at what one is expecting from their spouse can help in letting go of resentments. Communicating what you need from your partner instead of building up resentment is essential.

It is also necessary to rediscover the person you fell in love with and remember your original feelings of why you were attracted to each other in the first place. Focusing on those exciting feelings you had just being together, and remembering the warm sensations of being with each other, helps recapture the emotions and sparks of the past. Taking a trip down memory lane, remembering the dating as well as the life you are building together is fundamental in appreciating how far you have come together.

Remaining physically intimate is extremely important in keeping the spark alive in a marriage as well. Being committed to meeting each other’s physical needs and desires helps keep the flame burning and ensures genuine love. Sex reduces stress, anger and anxiety and it increases happiness and contentment. By staying physically connected, emotional intimacy increases due to the feelings of trust and mutual respect.

Creating traditions together also helps keep the relationship meaningful and special. Looking through your wedding photos on your anniversary, going back every year to that special place where you were engaged, or a monthly date night to your favorite restaurant are all personal traditions for your marriage. Sharing and enjoying in private and personal traditions exclusive to your relationship can be what is needed to fall back in love and keep the spark alive.

Marriage counseling can help couples navigate and create a greater understanding of each other, deepen their emotional and physical bonds and promote the closeness required to sustain the lasting, loving, and passionate relationship they desire.

Happy couple photo available from Shutterstock

from World of Psychology http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2016/04/18/rekindling-the-spark-in-a-long-term-marriage/