With so many things threatening to wedge themselves between a husband and wife, here are some ideas that may help a couple find opportunities to grow closer together.

1. Wake up together

This may not be possible for everyone, but if you sleep-in while your spouse sneaks out the door, try to get up a little earlier and have breakfast together and pack his or her lunch. Don't say goodbye without a kiss. It's an excellent way for a couple to start the day. This small act of service will go a long way.

2. When it comes to bedtime, set a routine and stick to it

This is particularly beneficial if you have children. Put the children to bed an hour or two before you go to bed and spend time together as a couple. Play a board game, talk about the day, set goals, dream together. Plan your next vacation, read a book, exercise together or watch your favorite TV show. There are endless possibilities when you make sure to schedule "together time" each day. At the end of the night, try to go to bed at the same time so you can spend a few minutes cuddling before you fall to sleep.

3. Sit next to each other whenever possible

This was one of the best pieces of advice I have received. This is such an important practice, especially when there are a lot of children in the home vying for your attention. When you sit together as a family, sit next to your spouse with your children around you, not between you. You will be surprised at the small tender moments this brings to you, as a couple. Sitting together gives you extra time to hold hands, put your arms around each other, and just feel one another's presence. Physical touch is essential in a marriage, and sitting together gives couples natural opportunities to make that happen.

4. Have a date night every week

Making time each week for a date night allows couples to focus on one another without interruptions. The dates can cost little money or no money at all. Go for a walk through the park and feed the ducks, go on a bike ride, fly a kite, build a snowman or go sledding. All of these things cost nothing but allow husband and wife to enjoy uninterrupted time together. The couple that plays together—stays together.

5. Cook meals together

Every family has to eat, which requires someone to cook. You gain more time with your spouse and create a stronger bond by doing those household duties that you have to do anyway, but would otherwise do alone.

6. Text or send love notes to each other

Love notes create closeness because they keep a husband and wife mindful of one another's love when distance keeps them apart.

7. Look for the best and forget the rest

This is the single most valuable thing a husband and wife can do for one another. No one is perfect, but when a husband or wife looks for the best in their spouse and is forgiving of the imperfections, real closeness can be achieved. True joy in marriage can be achieved when a husband and wife encourage one another, serve one another, and accentuate the positive attributes in each other. Never speak bad of your spouse; turn your thoughts to their strengths rather than their weaknesses. This will create a marriage of trust that will last.

As couples make "together time" a priority, they can create a strong marriage that will last.