We all want our marriages to get even better. But improvement only comes when we are intentional with our words and actions with our spouse. To become more intentional, here’s a simple checklist of things to do for your wife each year.  First, take a trip alone with her.  Spending time together away from the world is the perfect way to reconnect.  Second, make a big deal about her birthday.  Instead of just...

Flirting with your spouse is a good thing and can reap a lot of benefits. So here are some playful, fun, creative ways to flirt with your spouse. Leave a note for her on her pillow or mirror before you go on a trip…something specific like “Thanks for taking care of so many details when I’m gone…you do a great job!”  Or leave a note on his car rearview mirror saying “I’m jealous of this mirror because it’s looking...

The family budget may be tight right now.  There are braces to pay for, a car that needs to be fixed, and electric bills to be paid. Being tight on money may mean giving up certain things, but it should never mean giving up on your dating life.  Think about what your spouse really wants from a date. Maybe it’s not just another restaurant for dinner or an over-hyped movie. Maybe it’s simply romantic time with you. ...

After a number of years together, marriage can start to seem ordinary, routine, or even boring.  But I’d like to challenge you to bring the passion and excitement back into your marriage by making your spouse feel loved.  Here are some simple ways to romance your spouse.  First, write them a love note.  Tell your spouse something you love about them, and then hide the note in their wallet or on their pillow. ...

Like most couples, you poured immense energy and resources into planning your big day.  But your wedding was only one day… your marriage is for a lifetime.  Here are some things you did to prepare for your wedding that you should continue to do in your marriage.  First, create a budget to help you make smart money decisions.  Second, work every day to meet your spouse’s emotional needs.  Third, be intentional...

Mood killers don’t just ruin a moment, they hurt a marriage if they become ongoing patterns of behavior. For example, avoid what I call “The only thing you want” mood killer. This can hurt a marriage if your spouse thinks you’re only showing an interest in them because you want something in return. Look for opportunities to remind your spouse that you find her interesting and enjoy her company, with no strings...

A great date night takes more than just creativity to be effective. So we’ve got a plan-a-date night checklist for you. It’s got some simple steps to help you make the most of your time with your spouse. For example, get your family business done before or after the date. It’s tempting to use date time to go over your to-do lists, solve financial questions, figure out your vacation and holiday schedules or solve...