Famous American author, Mignon McLaughlin, said, "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."
I love this quote. The successful marriage is not the one that functions seamlessly and is executed with perfection on the daily. The successful marriage is the one that deepens every day and grows overtime. The successful marriage is the one that includes two people dedicated to falling in love over and over again, every single step of the way. This list is nowhere near exhaustive, but doing these 10 things will make him, or her, fall more in love with you each day.
1. Do his favorite activities with him
If you know he loves football, sit down and watch the game with him. Rather than nagging from the other room, appreciate the fact that he has hobbies. If you don't love his choice of activities, give them a shot anyway and you will probably find that, overtime, you come to enjoy doing what he loves as long as he is by your side.
2. Thank him for the little things
And the big things. Thank him for going to work everyday and opening that jar of pickles. He will appreciate the thoughtfulness and will want to do more for you in the future. Serving each other is the best way to fall in love. It works like a charm.
3. Be sexy and cute at the same time
Keeping the romance alive is necessary to keep the love alive. Don't put off dressing up for a special occasion. Dress for yourself, but know he thinks it is cute to see you lounging in sweatpants...and when you get ready for the day. Have a good balance, that's all.
3. Leave him a little note
On his pillow at night, on the bathroom mirror, in the bag with the leftovers he is taking for lunch or just slip it in his pocket on the way out the door. It doesn't have to be much. A simple "I love you" will do, but taking the extra minute to express your love or gratitude will go a long way.
4. Hold his hand and give him a hug
Physical touch is a very important part of love. A romantic or calming touch will reassure him that you love him and want to be near him. Studies show that a 20 second hug releases oxytocin, which makes us happier and leads to feelings of connectedness and love. If you aren't in the habit of hugging your husband and giving him those all so important touches throughout the day, then give it a shot.
5. Give him a kiss
Studiesalso show how important frequent kissing is to a relationship. Take the time to give him a real kiss before he goes to work, right when he gets home or both!
6. Ask him about his day and then really listen
Asking about him tells your husband you care, but actually listening to his response proves you love him. When someone truly cares about you and wants to know about your day, it is a sure sign of love.
7. Flirt
This will take you back to the days before you knew you were in love. Everything was fresh and new and exciting and emotions were running high. Don't be afraid to flirt with your husband. He will love you for it.
8. Stay up after the kids go to bed for some alone time
The temptation to go to bed when the kids go to bed is strong. Chances are you are both exhausted after an extremely long day and the bed you share looks beyond inviting, but stave off the desire for sleep for just a few minutes and spend that time enjoying each other. Sit and talk or cuddle on the couch. Your few minutes of alone time each day are important to keep the love alive.
9. Compliment him
Who doesn't love a good compliment? It is the thoughtfulness that counts here; the compliment doesn't have to be well planned and thought out, he will love and appreciate you for any little expression of confidence and admiration.
10. Do something you love during the day
Take care of yourself so that you can better take care of him. Take the time to do you during the day for 20 minutes while the kids nap or take 10 minutes in the car to jam to your favorite song before picking them up from school. Take the time to do something you love so that you are prepared to be unselfish when he gets home.
Marriage is a lot of work sometimes, but it is always worth it. Make it a point to fall in love with your husband everyday and the love that already exists will deepen to depths you never even imagined existed.
