Maybe you’re wondering how to rekindle romance in marriage. Romance is the feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love, while creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas. When these two aspects of creativity and romance come together, it can do wonders for your marriage.
In short, being romantic often involves doing something different and surprising. It doesn’t have to be huge and expensive like a round the world trip, although that would no doubt be very romantic. On the contrary, it is usually the little things, which are more thoughtful than costly, which make the biggest impact and fan the flames of love between you and your spouse.
Perhaps the thought of constantly coming up with something new seems a bit daunting, but give it a go and you may be surprised at how ideas begin to flow once you get into the swing of it. Here are twenty creative ideas to get you started as you and your beloved arouse the romance in your marriage.
1. Be movie stars together….
Take your favourite scene from a romance movie that you both enjoy, or make up your own scene and act it out together. Imagine kissing on a bridge with the sunset in the background, or running and skipping through a field of flowers.
2. Make a collage…
You know all those glossy magazines which tend to pile up in the living room? Why not take a pair of scissors and cut out some of the romantic photos then write your own captions and messages. Stick them on a big piece of paper or card and you will have your own personal collage.
3. Write your own ‘bestseller’…
Every couple has their own unique love story. Write the story of how you met and have it printed. You can do s. If you have children one day, they will certainly find it a fascinating read. Who knows, it may even become a bestseller!
4. Read each other bedtime stories…
Choose a nice romance novel and take turns to read chapters to each other while lying in bed. You might just find yourselves looking forward to bedtime more than ever.
5. Design your dream house…
Get out the paper, pencil and ruler, and have some fun sketching the floor plan of your dream house and garden. As you move from room to room, talk about your dreams and plans for each one.
6. Watch a sunrise…
There is something intrinsically romantic and exciting about the rising and setting of the sun. Plan a morning when you can get up early and slip out in the predawn darkness, then go to a special spot where you can watch the sunrise and celebrate the birth of a brand new day.
7. Spray perfume on your linen…
Sweet smelling bed sheets are always inviting. A few drops (or sprays) of a soothing fragrance can have a lovely calming effect at the end of a stressful day, and also help to enhance the romantic feelings.
8. Music, music, music…
There is nothing like romantic music to get you in the mood. Calming or cheerful music can lift the spirits like nothing else. So make sure you have some special music on hand for you and your spouse to enjoy together, and if you can play any musical instruments, all the better.
9. Go for a picnic…
Instead of having dinner as usual at your kitchen table, pack the picnic basket and blanket and head out to the nearest pond, park or beach. If that’s too far away, enjoy a picnic in your backyard with candles as the sun goes down.
10. Stop and enjoy a scenic view…
Driving in the car can be rushed and stressful. Often we flash past amazing views without even noticing. Take the time to pull over with your loved one, get out, hold hands and enjoy the scenic view together, admiring the beauty of creation.
11. You’ve got mail…
And I don’t mean email. There’s something great and very romantic about receiving a hand written hard copy letter or card in the mail these days! So write your spouse a loving letter and mail it to his or her work place.
12. Feed the birds…
Grab a packet of stale bread crusts as you head out for a stroll in the fresh air and have some fun together feeding the ducks (and fish) at the pond, or the pigeons at the park.
13. Do a jigsaw puzzle…
Even if jigsaw puzzles are not your thing, give it a try on a rainy day. How about buying a cute or romantic one and then hide the box from your spouse? That way you will have extra fun helping each other to piece it together without looking at the picture, and when you are done it will be a lovely surprise!
14. Go for a ride…
Try something one or both of you have never done before – like a horse ride, a bicycle ride, a train ride or a ride in a canoe. Have fun and enjoy the ride together. If you hire a bicycle, try getting a tandem!
15. Plant a tree…
There is something romantic about using a living thing as a symbol of your marriage, as it represents life and growth. Plant a tree in your garden and watch it grow over time as you also grow in your relationship together.
16. Share a candy…
Get a nice long piece of liquorice and try eating it together without using your hands; see who gets the most before you meet in the middle and end up having a long sticky kiss.
17. Take a stroll down memory lane…
Once in awhile you need to get out the old photo albums, or the wedding video and reminisce about all the great memories you have shared together. Thinking about your first date and your first kiss will probably make you want to do it all over again…
18. Be a blessing to someone else…
Whether it’s taking a senior to the shops or visiting someone in hospital, do it together and you will feel your bond growing stronger as you use the love you have for one another to help someone else.
19. Take a class together…
Maybe there’s something you have always wanted to do; learn to dance, learn a second language; or how to do decoupage? Taking a class together with your beloved can bond you as a couple.
20. It all starts from within…
No matter what you do together, it’s your attitude that will make it memorable, either in a positive or negative way. So be cheerful, spontaneous and sensitive to one another. Let your creativity arouse the romance in your marriage.
Sylvia is a featured writer for Marriage.com;a reliable resource to support healthy, happy marriages. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Google+ and Pinterest.
