Valentine’s Day was celebrated by many last week. Many of us were probably scrambling to get that cute card, those chocolate candies or a cluster of chrysanthemums.
And while those are all fine gifts, they really don’t do that much to strengthen the romance within our marriages. Hey, I’m not saying don’t get your spouse that special card or sentimental gift…that could be disastrous. But what I am suggesting is that you consider giving your Valentine a gift that will make a little bigger impact on your intimacy and that will last much longer than a flower bouquet or box of chocolates.
Here’s three suggestions:
Time together…time is the most powerful gift because it’s the one thing that we all have the same amount of and how we spend it is a great indicator of what our priorities truly are. So when you give your spouse some of your prime time, you’re saying that he or she is a high priority in your life. What does this gift of time look like? Maybe it’s a coupon offering 15 minutes a day to sit down and share a cup of coffee or tea or for a walk around the block or to watch his or her favorite show. If you want to up the ante a little bit, schedule a regular date night or a weekend getaway to a marriage retreat.
Talk…While you’re spending time together, be sure to talk together. Small talk leads to significant talk. It’s okay to chit chat about the little things, but if you really want to grow your marriage, you’ll need to develop the desire and ability to share what’s really on your heart with your spouse.
Touch…Research suggests that too many of us hold back from kissing and touching or holding each other until we’re ready for some physical intimacy. Hey, that sounds like another great gift coupon. But in all seriousness, give your spouse a hug and kiss before you leave for work and when you first get home. Hold hands, rub some feet, scratch a back, snuggle on the sofa. All of those little touches of love and affection boost our feel good hormones.
Make this whole month (and beyond) special by sharing these gifts of time, talk, and touch with your spouse and watch the romance in your marriage grow.
