Marriage is hard; anyone who’s been married more than 5 minutes can probably tell you that. It’s an institution that mandates constant compromise, humility and vulnerability. So it’s no wonder so many of our partnerships get a little off track.
Many couples struggle to balance their marriages with the relentless pace of the professional realm, personal pursuits and family life. When the chips fall at the end of each grueling day, intimacy is often bartered for television time, scrolling the newsfeed, falling asleep on the couch, folding the laundry or fill-in-the-blank.
Sound a little too familiar? Wondering what to do when you and your spouse find yourselves needing a little “marriage maintenance?”
One of the best bits of marriage advice we’ve collected along the way is this: designate a sacred, restful space to be with your husband or wife. The idea is for you and your partner to have a place in your home where you can reconnect and just “be” together. A place where the worries of the world can’t take precedence.
Not surprisingly, for many couples that place turns out to be the bedroom.
Wondering how you can turn your bedroom into a sanctuary for you and your lifelong love? We have a few ideas:
- Take the TV out! And the laptops and tablets and smartphones…Limit distractions so you can focus on each other.
- Redecorate. Pick a motif that both you and your better half feel good about. You may go for colors and patterns that are soothing and relaxing or you both may find that you prefer a more stimulating, bright environment.
- Get comfy. Take the time to choose a bed that both you and your spouse love. That could mean a new mattress, luxurious new sheets or plush pillows and a fluffy duvet. Make it a place you are eager to spend time together, often. Personally, we like to indulge in king-sized comfort. Ensuring you can both sleep well won’t hurt, either.
- Read together…in bed. You could read the same book or two different ones. Either way, engage by sharing your thoughts on the text. Read aloud if you like. Let the time encourage deep and meaningful conversations.
- And you know, do that other stuff… We can testify that a good bed is worth its weight in gold when it comes to cuddling and enjoying the other *ahem* physical perks of your relationship.
Whether you do one or all of these things, finding a place to really rest and be present with your partner will help you invest in your marriage as a long and happy alliance.
Have some awesome marriage advice to share? Perhaps a comment about your bed’s impact? Tell us (keep it PG, folks). We’re always looking for good tips.