If you and your spouse feel like you are two ships passing in the night because your schedules are too hectic, here’s something to consider. How about committing to having

at least one meal together, at the dinner table without the television or phones, a week?  That gives you both an opportunity to talk about each other’s day and reconnect

emotionally. If you cook, you can also save money. It’s also healthier to prepare meals yourself than to rely on fast food (or even your favorite restaurant).

One of the leading causes of broken marriages is financial problems. Sure, sometimes it’s about not having enough money, but you know what? More times, it’s about not setting solid

financial goals. If you’re in debt, make the commitment to put steps in place to get out of it. Pay off a major credit card. Open up an account to

buy a new car. Go through your bills and pay them all off---from least amount to the greatest. Working as a team to become financially stable can be a really

empowering experience.

Please don’t let the bedroom be the only place where the two of you are intimate. By that we mean, be intentional about kissing and cuddling more often. Kiss each

other in the morning. Cuddle on the couch. Spoon while you sleep. Studies reveal that cuddle reduces stress and kissing can increase oxytocin levels (that’s the “feel good” hormone) and

(get this) even burn 5-6 calories per hour! Hey, every little bit helps and what a fun way to “exercise”!

Something that’s truly special about pledging to share your life with another person is that you have a lifetime to create some new memories. Going to the same movie theatre

every week is a low bar. Plan a trip instead. Second honeymoons are cool, but try and also create a traveling bucket list. You know, places that neither of you

have never been before. It will (re)ignite passion, spontaneity and romance on so many levels!

Couples who say they don’t have time for sex, usually are ones who simply don’t make the time. It really is all about priorities and make no mistake about it,

sex in a marriage is important! If your schedules make it really difficult to have sex at night and the weekends are packed with errand-running and your children’s schedules, set

the alarm clock an hour earlier a couple of times a week to get in a lil’ morning sex. It relaxes you. It stimulates your brain. It improves your mood.

It’s a great form of exercise. It will make you more productive, and it will keep your sweetie on your mind all day long. It’s a wonderful way to feel

connected throughout the day, and that’s just awesome.

Never get so comfortable in your relationship that you automatically think you know what your partner wants and needs. Especially from you. Once a week, it’s perfectly OK---recommended even---to take

them by the hand, look them straight in the eye and ask “Is there anything specific that you need from me right now?” What it does is convey that you genuinely

care about them and that they are not alone, no matter what. When two spouses work on being empathetic towards one another, when it comes to their relationship, the sky truly

is the limit!