It would be ideal if you could plan a date on a weekly basis. It doesn’t always have to be on the weekends or even something super-elaborate. Just an hour

or two to get off of the grid and focus on one another. If there are seasons when that’s close to impossible or your budget is extra tight, plan what

we call “mini-dates." Agree to meet at a coffee shop after the kids are dropped off at school. Or go to your favorite deli for lunch. Even if it’s only

for 30 minutes, that little bit of time to reconnect will go a long way! Plus, if you’re the one initiating it, your wife will appreciate the proactive effort you

put in. (Trust us on that one!)

You want spend as many years as possible with your wife, right? One way to make that possible is to stay in great shape. You can’t do this without exercise.

If you already make it a point to work out a few times a week, either invite your spouse to come to the gym with you on one of those

days. Or, burn a few calories and still be romantic by taking a walk. You can do it early in the morning at sunrise or right after dinner. Be sure

to hold hands too. It’s proven to reduce stress and increase endorphins (“feel good” hormones).

One of the top reason for divorce is a lack of intimacy. When you stop to think about it, one of the main things that makes your relationship with your spouse

exceptional is the fact that they are the one you share intimacy with. Hands down, it’s got to be a priority in your marriage! Every couple is different. But for now, we’ll

just say this: a sexless marriage is considered to be one where the couple engages less than 10 times per year. Also, don’t forget that intimacy is not just sex

but also sharing deep feelings too. Put forth the effort to keep your spiritual, emotional and physical bonds strong. It’s an investment that always pays off. BIG TIME!

There are numerous studies that indicate sleeping together is good for a couple’s health and marriage. It calms them down. It makes them feel safer. It even increases the chances

of them getting along better the following day. You might not be able to pull this off every night, but at least a couple of days a week, be intentional

about turning in at the same time. No electronics. No kids in the bed. Just the two of you. Oh, and try and cuddle if you can. Click

target="_blank">here to read why.

Vacations are another way to keep stress at a minimum. It’s also one of the most effective ways to get some real quality time in. We’re not talking about your

annual family vacation. We’re talking about taking a trip where it’s just the two of you. If you don’t have enough time (or money) for a cruise or an international

vacation, take a few days to stay at a bed and breakfast at the next town or go on a road trip to a city that’s no more

than 6-8 hours up the road. When it comes to keeping your marriage intact, a vacation should never (ever) be seen as a luxury. It is most definitely a necessity!

Especially for the “busiest” of couples.