Photography: Heather Hawkins
When you first began to date, you couldn't stand to be away from each other. You pined for each other's touch and embrace and it was as if you couldn't breathe without being near each other. But as time flew by and other priorities appear in life, intimacy is becoming a less important issue. Your career gets in the way, money problems get in the way, and responsibilities get in the way. You allow life to get in the way of your intimate relationship and you lose the strong emotional connection you once had.
Just as all successes in life, marriage also takes work. Couples must invest energy and time into their relationship so that they can be connected on an emotional level and win the key to a long-lasting relationship. Here are some ideas to re-establish the strong emotional connection even after years of marriage:
1.Go on a romantic getaway
Take a trip to a place that rekindles the memories of when you were so much in love. Leave behind your responsibilities of the daily life. Turn off the smartphones and turn your eyes completely on each other. Focus on just being a husband or a wife. Learn to enjoy his or her company again.
2.Show your affection publicly
Reach for her hand when you're window shopping. Give her a hug from behind. Tell his friends about how great you think he is. Acknowledge your spouse for the world to see, because that means a lot.
3.Be innovative in your relationship and communicate often
Talk about what you like and what he likes. Talk about what you expect and what he expects. Be adventurous. Try something new. Do things you've never done before. Find out what works for you. Do you feel loved? Do you feel like your relationship is moving forward? Do you feel the strong emotional connection between you?
To put extra efforts in keeping the fire in your relationship alive will do wonders for you. Although getting yourself to start might take more effort, but remind yourself about why you're doing it. You don't even have to pressure yourself into delivering the grand gestures. Start with the little things ─ you'd be surprised at how big an impact these small things will have on your marriage.
