MARRIAGE TIPS ON FUN

FUN

Touch? Touché! 
A little touch goes a long way toward a zest-infused marriage! It's easy. Simply place your hand on your wife's hip when reaching to open the door for her. Or squeeze your husband's bicep – anytime, anywhere!
 
Laugh a little

Lighten up and laugh a little (or a lot) in your marriage, especially when your spouse makes a joke. But no pity laughs allowed! Let out a sincere chuckle that’s flirtatious without being fictitious.

Less phone, more flirting
Is your spouse competing with your stream of Facebook, Twitter, email or text notifications for your attention? Cut off the competition – your husband or wife wins! When you're together, turn off your smartphone and turn on your spouse. You’ll find that focusing on each other rather than on your phones is far more appealing than any app!
 
Make fast food romanticThe next time you and your spouse dine under the golden arches, bring a tablecloth and a candle. This bold move shows off your creativity and adds an element of fun and romance to your otherwise ordinary date.

Romance – rain or shineDon’t let ornery weather disrupt your plans for a weekend getaway. Blustery gales create a perfect setting for a romantic retreat. Plan a trip to a thundering ocean beach, or stormwatch on a high plateau where you can marvel at lightning-laced cumulous clouds sweeping across the landscape.
 
First-date nostalgia
Recreate your first date! Whether visiting the restaurant where you first shared a meal, renting the DVD of the movie you saw, or simply reminiscing about your special evening, enjoy the memories by reflecting on those first-date thoughts and emotions.
 
Photobonding
A picture speaks a thousand words and is a fun way of catching up with your spouse at the end of the day. With the camera on your cell phone – or a digital camera – snap photos of things throughout your day that are easier shown than said. Capture and share anything from a work event moment to a funny street sign you saw!

Seize the momentDate nights with your spouse can be rare when you’re managing a busy household. But with practice, you can learn to snatch opportunities to connect on a deeper level. Move to another room while the kids are watching TV or playing, and simply ask each other, “What’s on your mind today?”

Back to school together
September is a month associated with new beginnings. With the kids starting another year of school, why not begin something new in your marriage by taking a special interest course with your spouse? Together, you can learn a new language, try your eye for photography, cook new, flavourful foods or develop your green thumb. Pottery, dance, visual arts or creative writing are other options most continuing education locations offer. And the great thing is, most of these courses are fun, creative and don’t likely have homework. Another benefit of learning something new is that it not only generates new interactions with your spouse, but you can take these skills home and start a new joint hobby.

Keep the small traditions aliveDo you and your spouse have any rituals, like kissing each other goodbye, saying “I love you” before you go to sleep or having breakfast in bed on Saturday mornings? Whatever special traditions you have, keep them alive by practicing them regularly. Celebrate these rituals that play a fun role in your relationship.

Marriage and media
Movies offer a wealth of affirmation inspiration! The next time you watch a flick with your spouse, look for specific ways he or she excels in tasks and traits illustrated in the movie. For example, is there an absent father figure in the show? Wives, whisper in your husband’s ear how wonderful of a dad he is. Is there a pretty actress on cast? Husbands, make your wife blush by verbally praising her beauty. Compliment each other during the movie, and watch your spouse glow long after the credits stop rolling!

Intentional intimacyJenn T. from Alberta shared with us that she and her husband sometimes find it hard to get out for their date night due to financial reasons and being parents of a toddler and an infant. So, another way they spend time together is to go for an evening walk right after supper with their kids. Distracted by the change in scenery, the children tend to entertain themselves in the stroller, not only giving Jenn the chance to get out of the house for some exercise, but also giving her and her husband time to unwind and catch up on each other’s day while they walk. Even something as simple as going for a walk is valuable time spent together. It works out great for them and better yet, it doesn’t cost them anything.
Game on! Couples often find there’s simply no more time for playing favourite board games together once baby arrives. If this sounds like you, don’t give up this important and inexpensive relationship builder! Instead, search online for ideas for shorter games you can enjoy together in 30 minutes or less.

Homestead cafeTreat your spouse to a personal chef - you! Present a handwritten menu including two or three of their favourite entrees, seat your spouse at the table with his or her favourite beverage and soft music, then take their order and chat as you cook. Don't allow them to help; they must enjoy the treat! Sit down and eat together, and even do the dishes yourself.

Switch it up
Feeling stuck in a rut? Try something new (e.g., take a different route while running errands or make a new meal for dinner). You’ll be surprised how a small switch-up can reignite excitement in your everyday routine.
Try doing things differentlyRemember that it’s okay to do things differently (e.g. there is more than one way to peel a potato or fold the laundry). Rather than correcting your spouse’s methods, ask why they do things a certain way. You might learn something new!

Try something newIf you and your spouse have very different pastime activities, consider ways to “play together” to strengthen your marriage. Even if you have very different interests, you still probably share general similarities. For instance, if she likes to sew and he likes to fix cars, both can enjoy a pastime that involves working with details and working with your hands. Begin with discussing each other's interests and ideas of leisure, then look at the fundamental reasons why you’re drawn to those activities. Trying out your spouse’s pastime doesn’t hurt either – you might like it! And if you simply can’t enjoy sharing certain hobbies, learn something new for the both of you, and have someone else instruct the activity. This creates a neutral territory where both of you are beginners. If it turns out you’re both natural dancers, great; if not, you can still laugh together over the clumsiness of your shared “left feet.”