It seems common for many married couples to "fall-out" of the honeymoon-stage soon after marriage, but one way to keep up the romance even once children and schedules take over the majority of your time is to write love notes to your spouse! Enrique Falabella, a religious leader from Guatemala once commented, "The words 'I love you,' 'Thank you very much,' and 'Forgive me' are like a balm for the soul. They transform tears into happiness. They provide comfort to the weighed-down soul, and they confirm the tender feelings of our heart. Just as plants wither with the lack of precious water, our love languishes and dies as we put to rest the words and acts of love."
There is something lasting and genuine about putting feelings into words and words into print. It can be sweet and sincere, sappy or silly, short or long. It's truly something you can personalize with your spouse and your special relationship. Here are just a few ideas.
Post-it notes
Post-it notes are easy and convenient for a short little "I love you," "Have a good day" or just a smiley face. They can be put on the bathroom mirror, in a wallet or planner, or just about anywhere else you can think of. They are especially nice for sharing short words of encouragement before giving a presentation at work or some other forum, or just to get through one more day. Your spouse will appreciate your words and more than that, the thought and the effort you took to think of them. A note that I left for my husband just inside the bathroom cabinet when we first got married is still there. It makes us both smile when we see it.
Technology
Take advantage of the ease of communicating through technology. Don't just text your husband reminders to pick up milk from the grocery store, send a short message simply because you were thinking about him. Get on Facebook and do a little brag post about how great your wife is and shout out to the world that you think she's amazing. Think of the excitement of finding a personalized email from your spouse instead of just junk mail and advertisements.
Snail mail
I know, I know, it'll just come right back to your own house, but doesn't everyone love to find a personal letter in the mail amongst all the bills? And a love letter at that! The anticipation of scanning the return address, the ripping open the envelope and the handwriting of someone you know and love. Can't get better than that! Write about your thoughts, maybe a memory that surfaced in your mind as you went about your day. Go ahead and put on some extra lipstick and kiss the paper. Scent it with your perfume or cologne. Whatever it might be, if you put in the time to do it, rest assured that it will leave your honey smiling and all the more grateful for the wonderful person you are.
Notebook
Consider starting a notebook of love notes. Take turns writing in it and passing it back and forth. It doesn't have to be grammatically correct or a Shakespearean sonnet (though attempting to might be fun!). But writing to each other regularly will create a priceless collection of all the stages of life you pass through and you'll see the love you share grow and deepen.
Special occasions
Writing a love letter to your spouse on special occasions will make that occasion even more special. Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day or Father's Day, Valentine's. Heck, try your hand at poetry and whether it flows like a springtime morning or crashes like when you miss the last step up the stairs and quickly look around as you recover - it'll be something worth remembering. The times that you might be apart might also be a good time to write something special and slip it in his or her suitcase. I once got a letter in the mail from my husband while spending a few weeks visiting my mom and I can tell you that it made my day and made me all the more anxious to hurry home to him!
So there you go! Get creative, no excuses. If putting your feelings down in words is hard for you, your efforts will be even more appreciated. Go write a love note to the love of your life and fan the sparks in your marriage!
