Summer is in full swing, and this time of year is perfect for nurturing your relationship with your spouse. Whether you’re going on a bucket list vacation or spending time closer to home, you can absolutely boost your enjoyment of one another. This summer could pay dividends in the months and years ahead.
Ready to enjoy one another more through the summer months and beyond? This post is for you. Let’s get right into it.
Make a List of Things You Like About Your Partner
One of the most practical exercises we’ve seen for improving your level of enjoyment together is to make a list of all the things you like about your partner. This is a fun activity that gets you back in touch with the things that attracted you to one another in the first place.
During the dating years, we tend to focus more on what we enjoy about each other. But after marriage, life often takes over—and takes our focus away from those qualities in the process. It doesn’t mean we love one another any less, but it does mean we can lose sight of important qualities that once made us happy.
After years of marriage, it can be all too easy to take your spouse for granted. This person, your soulmate, is the most important person in your life. Of course, we love so much about them, but we can lose sight of that if we don’t keep those qualities we love in mind.
To get started with this exercise, get out a pen and paper. Jot down ten things you admire about your partner, or just things you enjoy about them. Maybe you love their sharp wit, sense of style, or cooking talent. You might admire their intellectual capacity, rationality, or ability to seek creative solutions. Whatever you love about your spouse, it’s important to articulate that regularly—not only for yourself, but for them, too.
When you’re done, share your lists with one another. You may be pleasantly surprised at what your spouse jots down! And you just might see your spouse light up when you share what you love about them.
Stay Focused on Gratitude
Your list activity could easily become a way to nurture gratitude for your spouse and your marriage. Cultivating and communicating gratitude is a wonderful way to grow closer to your spouse. In turn, sharing that appreciation can help you enjoy one another more than ever before.
If you want to stay connected to gratitude for your spouse, keep your list handy. Hold onto a copy of your list and theirs if you like. Put it on your desk or take it with you so you can revisit it from time to time. The lists can become a place of gratitude where you can take a moment to remind yourself of all the wonderful things you have together.
Have Fun Together
Summertime is a fantastic time of year to slow down and reprioritize fun. Having fun together can help you reconnect through joy. And when you remember how good it feels to share joy, fun, and play together, it will be that much easier to carry those dynamics into the coming seasons.
While school’s out and the kids are focused on play, challenge yourselves to play, too. Find opportunities to enjoy shared activities and adventures, big or small. Spend a little time reigniting your intimacy. Whatever you decide, let this season be a source of joy and fun for you as a couple. If you need a guide to jump-start your quest for more joy, our book, Making Happy, could be a great start. Take a look and get your copy here.
Do you have fun plans together this summer? How will you enjoy one another more? Leave us a comment and let us know.
