8 Practical Ways You Can Invest in Your Marriage

Marriage is complex, requiring many moving parts to work together in tandem. Sometimes those things are all aligned, moving forward without any issues. Other times, things can feel uncoordinated, causing struggle or uncertainty. Whether your marriage is riding along smoothly, or you feel a little out of whack, investing in your marriage can help.

Having a healthy, strong marriage does not happen on its own. You must take active steps toward strengthening and fortifying your marriage in every season.

During the times when your marriage is struggling and things feel off, investing in your marriage can help get you back in sync, increasing connection. When your marriage feels like it is rolling along smoothly, investing in your marriage can make that stronger, so that when something comes up, you can handle it together.

There will be bumps in the road in marriage.

Marriage is one of the most intimate relationships in your life. This is not necessarily sexual, although that is part of it. The intimacy of marriage is multifaceted. There is a depth of friendship, understanding, and working together that marriage requires. No matter how much work you put in, there will be challenges. This is part of living in a relationship with another person.

These challenges do not need to be scary. Instead, you can do things together that help you face them as a couple, developing a deeper relationship along the way.

Choose to do this together.

When you and your spouse said your vows, it was a time of agreement between the two of you. Whether you stood before friends and family or it was just the two of you before an officiant, you declared your joint commitment to walking through life together.

As you consider investing in your marriage, it is helpful to start with that same mindset. Start with a decision that you will invest in your marriage together, both working toward making it stronger and healthier.

If you feel alone.

While it is ideal to think about pursuing this together, sometimes that doesn’t feel possible. Maybe one party is unwilling or unable to make this decision. Maybe that person doesn’t see the need for investing in the marriage – saying “I do” was enough.

If you find yourself facing this on your own, you can still invest in your marriage. These practical tips will still help you create a stronger, healthier relationship. It would be helpful, however, for you to do this alongside a caring professional. A counselor or pastor can help you navigate how to invest in your marriage in ways that are healthy for you, ensuring that you are on a path that is good for you and your spouse.

How to invest in your marriage.

Investing in your marriage doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. A deeper, healthy connection doesn’t happen on its own. You and your spouse will need to choose to implement ideas that might cost time, money, or other resources to ensure the strength of your relationship.

Here are some practical ways you can invest in your marriage:

Rethink date night.

One of the first things people typically think of when they hear about investing in their marriage is date night. Sometimes people picture a weekly night out at a nice restaurant with their spouse. But life happens and date night doesn’t always happen that way.

Instead of forcing something that doesn’t work for your family, try to rethink date night as a couple. Remember a date is simply intentionally spending time together. This can be done in so many different ways.

Go out at a different time.

Instead of forcing a date night when it might be hard to find a babysitter or when you feel tired, think about other times you can go out. You can date your spouse all day (and night!) Think about breakfast dates, lunch dates, after-dinner walks, or other times in the day that work for your family.

Don’t eat.

Instead of always thinking about a restaurant to go to, consider doing something more active. Go for a hike, try bowling, or simply take a drive. It isn’t about what you’re doing, it’s simply about being together.

Laugh.

Find things that make you both laugh. It is all too easy to slip into the responsible roles of adulthood. Do something silly that brings you both joy. Go to the mall and pick out silly outfits for each other to try on. Find a photo booth and take funny pictures together. Take a drive and sing songs at the top of your lungs. Rediscover fun together.

Stay in.

Instead of having a sitter come to the house and going out with your spouse, try staying in. Find a friend or relative that will watch the kids at their house and then spend some time together at home. Lounge in bed. Make a meal. Watch a movie. Just enjoy being together in your house without any added responsibilities.

What works for your relationship may change during different seasons of your life. Come back to this idea of rethinking date night, repeatedly, to ensure you have intentional time together that works for your season of life.

Get outside.

So much of life is indoors. We spend time taking care of our homes, preparing meals, doing chores, and watching things on television, but those things all keep us inside. Be intentional about getting outside with your spouse.

This could be something like a walk or hike, or it could be working on a project together like planting a garden. Time in the fresh air and sunshine is good for you and your partner. Enjoying that together is a great way to connect.

There are numerous studies that show spending time in nature both reduces stress and helps keep it regulated…Regular outings in the outdoors are a great way to stave off or lift a low sex drive. Studies show that all of the benefits that outdoor adventures offer – exercise, mood-boosting time in the sun (vitamin D), and stress reduction – are all things that can increase libido. – Oars

Time outside can have positive impacts on your health, your stress level, and even your sex life. Making time outdoors a priority is great for you, your partner, and your marriage.

Get away.

Sometimes we all need to get away from the daily grind. Intentional time carved out with your spouse away from home can help you feel connected without the distractions of home. Going away for even a night or two a few times a year is a good way to reconnect and reset any areas that are feeling a little rocky.

Making time to go away together also demonstrates how much you value your spouse. Going away can be a sacrifice. Financial, work, childcare, and other things need to be handled to make a getaway possible. Putting in the effort to do this shows your partner (and reminds you) that your marriage is worth it.

Find support.

Marriage is about the relationship between two people; however, those two people need support. Making time with other married couples, people that encourage you in your relationship, church, small groups, and counseling are all ways to find support in your marital journey.

Each of these offer help in varying degrees and facets that remind you of the importance of your marriage. When you spend time with supportive friends or groups, you can learn new ways of connecting with your spouse, address any areas of concern, and create shared experiences.

A deep investment in marriage.

One of the most impactful ways you can invest in your marriage is through counseling. Time with a marriage counselor can help you and your spouse talk about concerns, address questions, and develop solutions for whatever you are facing.

The counselors at Stone Oak Christian Counseling in San Antonio, Texas would love to help you and your spouse strengthen your marriage. Connect with us today.