Marriage is a beautiful journey, but like any journey, it has its ups and downs. Over time, the initial excitement and passion can fade, and couples may find themselves struggling to keep their love alive. But don’t worry; we’re here to help with marriage advice from people that have suffered and rekindled their love in a lasting way.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some practical tips and insights to rekindle the spark in your marriage and strengthen your bond.
Marriage Advice Tip #1: The Art of Communication
Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a healthy marriage. Set aside time each day to talk about your feelings, fears, dreams, and everything in between. It’s essential to listen actively and empathetically, validating your partner’s feelings and seeking to understand their perspective.
For example, imagine Jane, who is unhappy with the lack of quality time she spends with her husband, John. Instead of bottling up her feelings, she could express them openly and calmly, saying something like, “I’ve been feeling a bit lonely lately because we haven’t spent much time together. Can we set aside some time just for us?” By doing so, she invites John to understand her perspective and work together to find a solution.
If you find communication challenging, consider attending a Retrouvaille program. These weekend retreats, followed by a series of post-weekend sessions, are designed to help struggling couples rediscover their love, improve communication, and foster emotional intimacy.
One excellent piece of marriage advice for couples that are not experiencing big problems is that while Retrouvaille is designed for couples in struggling marriages, one of the most common things people say after participating is that if they had done the program before their troubles got out of hand, they never would have allowed things to get as bad as they did. This is why so many couples that are not struggling also attend as a preventative measure.
Learn more about these programs on the Retrouvaille International website.
Marriage Advice Tip #2:
Keep the Romance Alive
Remember those early days of your relationship, when you would surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures or plan special date nights? Those acts of love are crucial for maintaining a strong emotional connection, and you did this unconsciously in the early days. So this marriage advice tip is to do it often and consciously. Here are some ideas for keeping the romance alive in your marriage:
- Schedule regular date nights, even if it’s just a quiet dinner at home.
- Surprise your partner with a small gift or a heartfelt note.
- Revisit the place where you first met or had your first date.
- Try new activities together, such as taking dance lessons or joining a cooking class.
Marriage Advice Tip #3:
Prioritize Intimacy
Physical intimacy plays a vital role in a happy marriage. It’s essential to maintain a healthy sexual relationship and regularly 
express affection through touch, hugs, and kisses. Keep in mind that intimacy doesn’t always have to be sexual; cuddling on the couch while watching a movie or holding hands during a walk can help you feel closer to your partner.
Marriage Advice Tip #4:
Grow Together
It’s natural for people to change and grow over time. Instead of growing apart, make an effort to grow together by setting shared goals and pursuing common interests. For instance, you might decide to learn a new language, save for a dream vacation, or volunteer for a cause you both care about. Our marriage advice is to embrace the journey of personal growth and support each other’s individual aspirations.
Marriage Advice Tip #5:
Nurture Emotional Connection
Emotional connection is the glue that binds a marriage together. To strengthen this bond, create opportunities for meaningful conversations and shared experiences. You can do this by:
- Engaging in deep conversations about your thoughts, feelings, and values.
- Sharing your favorite books, movies, or music with each other.
- Reflecting on your shared history and discussing your future dreams and plans.
Another excellent way to deepen your emotional connection is to attend a Marriage Encounter weekend. These enriching programs, designed for happily married couples, provide a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of your relationship, communicate more effectively, and rediscover the joy of being together.
Marriage Advice Tip #6:
Practice Forgiveness
No one is perfect, and every couple will face challenges and disagreements. Learning to forgive and let go of resentments is essential for a healthy and lasting marriage. When your partner makes a mistake or hurts you, communicate your feelings openly and honestly. Then, work together to find a resolution and move forward.
One piece of marriage advice on conflict to consider is that not all conflicts can be resolved. But with the right tools, two people that made sacred vows can learn to manage all conflicts if they are truly committed to the relationship.
Marriage Advice Tip #7:
Cultivate Gratitude
It’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of your partner or your marriage, but cultivating gratitude can have a transformative effect on your relationship. Make an effort to appreciate the good qualities of your partner and express your gratitude for the small acts of love and kindness they show you. You can practice gratitude by:
- Thanking your partner for the things they do, even if they seem mundane, like doing the dishes or picking up groceries.
- Making a list of the qualities you love about your spouse and sharing it with them.
- Taking a moment each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your marriage.
- Put a small mirror or framed glass on a wall in your home, and each day use an erasable marker to write something you appreciate about your spouse.
Marriage Advice Tip #8:
Seek Outside Help When Needed
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find that you’re 
struggling to keep your love alive. In these situations, it’s essential to recognize when you need outside help. Marriage counseling can provide valuable guidance and support as you work through challenges together. Don’t be afraid to seek the help you need to ensure the health and happiness of your marriage.
If you’re looking for marriage help or simply want to enrich your relationship, consider attending an upcoming Retrouvaille program or a Marriage Encounter weekend. These programs provide couples with practical tools and techniques to improve communication, deepen emotional connections, and strengthen their marriages. To learn more about these programs and the organizations behind them, visit the Marriage Rediscovery website.
Conclusion
We have provided several marriage advice tips to help you start, and often if just one of you gets the ball rolling, eventually the other will feel so much love that they will reciprocate on their own. Still, keeping love alive in a marriage requires ongoing effort and commitment from both partners. By prioritizing open communication, fostering intimacy, nurturing emotional connections, and seeking outside help when needed, you can ensure a long-lasting and fulfilling marriage. So, take the time to invest in your relationship, and watch your love grow stronger with each passing day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Set aside dedicated time each day to talk openly and honestly about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
- Practice active listening by giving your partner your full attention and validating their feelings and perspectives.
- Plan regular date nights or surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures.
- Revisit memorable places from your early relationship or try new activities together.
- Schedule regular “alone time” for physical intimacy and express affection through touch, hugs, and kisses.
- Engage in non-sexual intimate activities, such as cuddling or holding hands, to strengthen your emotional connection.
- Pursue shared interests, set common goals, and support each other’s individual aspirations.
- Explore personal growth opportunities, such as attending workshops or taking classes together.
- Have deep, meaningful conversations about your thoughts, feelings, and values.
- Share your favorite books, movies, or music with each other and reflect on your shared experiences.
- Communicate openly and honestly about any hurt or disappointment, then work together to find a resolution.
- Make a conscious effort to let go of resentments and focus on moving forward together.
- Express appreciation for the things your partner does, even if they seem mundane.
- Make a list of the qualities you love about your spouse and share it with them.
- Recognize when you’re struggling to overcome challenges or communicate effectively, and don’t be afraid to seek marriage counseling or attend relationship programs.
- Consider attending a Retrouvaille program or a Marriage Encounter weekend for additional support.
- Set boundaries between your work and personal life, and make your relationship a priority.
- Schedule regular “us time” and plan family activities that allow you to bond as a couple and as a family.
- Encourage open communication and provide a safe space for your partner to express their feelings without judgment.
- Show empathy and understanding for your partner’s needs, and work together to create a loving and supportive atmosphere.
