Last weekend my husband and I celebrated 12 years of marriage. Typically every year we forgo the anniversary gifts and we go away for a night or two together. However, since we went on a cruise last month we decided to skip the solo trip this year. My husband and I are pretty good about going out regularly on dates. But sometimes we have seasons of life where it’s hard for us to connect daily. I’ve noticed that since we got back from our cruise I’ve been craving more time with him. So I’ve been thinking of simple ways we can spend time together. In celebration of our anniversary today I thought I’d share twelve ways to connect with your spouse daily! I also asked some friends for their input on the subject, I loved what they had to say!
simple ways to connect with your spouse
get up with them
This is one I definitely struggle with. I’ll go through stages where I do a good job getting up early… and then I fall off the wagon. However, those mornings when I go manage to get up early are so nice not only for myself, but for me to be able to say goodbye to my husband and have a minute or two with him before he leaves.
check in during the day
Let’s face it, we ladies love to talk, but the hubbies don’t always. So in order for me to stay connected with the hubs (especially while he is at work) is to text. It sounds so simple, but sending a text to let him know I’m thinking about him or a cute picture of the kids to make him feel part of our day, even when he isn’t there, makes a difference. Also, a sexy text is always a good idea!
Jenny, www.princessturnedmom.com
pick up their favorite treat
Sometimes when I’m out running errands I like to pick up a special treat for Mike. It might be something that I know he loves, or maybe something that I think he’ll like. Not only am I thinking of him in that moment, but it lets him know that I’m thinking of him during the day!
get the kids involved
What better way to connect with your spouse than to get the kids involved? My little ones love planning special surprises for their daddy. And since those surprises often involve food of some kind it’s really a win all around, wink wink.
go for a drive
Sometimes we can connect together by going for a drive. Especially if you put the cell phones away and actually talk! Even when the kids are with us it’s pretty easy to turn on the electronic babysitter and spend some time together while the kiddos watch a movie in the back.
have date night regularly
We go away on a trip just the two of us every year–it’s something we both look forward to. I honestly want to make it twice a year as the kids get older. Monthly date nights are also a priority. And then it’s also the little things–always saying please and thank you. Kiss and hug a lot (in front of the kids especially), write notes in lunches, and look each other in the eye!!
Nicole, www.nicoleleilaniblog.com
unwind together
Lately we have gotten back in the habit of watching some Netflix together before bed. It sounds so simple and so cliche, but just relaxing at the end of the day together is what we need in this crazy season of life. Laughing together is a great destresser!
show love through service
Doing service for someone is a great way to think about them and show them love. Service for your spouse doesn’t have to be hard. Does he normally take out the trash or mow the lawn? Do those things for him one week without saying anything. Throw his towel in the dryer while he’s taking a shower so it’s warm when he gets out. Show him that you’re thinking of him even when he’s not around.
keep the fire going
We always kiss goodbye or hello. We have kissed the same way for 10 years; 3 little pecks. We also look each other in the eye and say I love you when we part. Another thing we do is after prayer at dinner, we do ‘our kiss’. When we are apart for a few days, we text at the end of night or talk on the phone for a bit before bed. It’s making the effort to show your spouse they matter even in the chaos of the day.
Megan, www.meganstoker.com
greet them with a smile
Hey, I have five little kids, I totally get it. If you stay at home with them you’re ready to tag out at the end of the day. If you work outside the home you’ve had different stress and you need to decompress. However, I have learned that as mothers we set the tone for the household. Greeting the hubby with a smile and positive attitude makes a big difference!
make your home a reflection of you both
I was watching a show the other day and it was talking about how you couldn’t tell a woman lived in a particular house. It just didn’t seem like her. I will admit that our home probably leans more towards my style since my husband doesn’t much care and trusts me… ish. But filling your home with pieces that reflect both of you or your life as a couple is a great way to connect with your spouse all day, everyday!
above all else, keep it simple
I love cuddle sessions and date nights out as much as the next person, but I also recognize that the simple things we do are important for our relationship too. The small efforts that you make to connect with your spouse each day might not seem monumental, but they can make a big difference in your marriage in the long run! Sending a simple text of good luck before your spouse takes a test or goes into an important meeting lets them know that you’re thinking about them. Making physical touch a priority throughout the day gives you little opportunities to connect, even when it’s just making sure you sit close to each other on the couch. When you’re making goals to kiss more often and go out on date night weekly, don’t forget to also make goals to up your game in you daily interactions as well!
Amberly, www.aprioritizedmarriage.com
The photography in this post is by Shelby Mousley Photography. If you are in Northern California or surrounding regions I highly recommend her.