Ten Tips for a Fantastic Romance

Today marks 19 years since I walked down the aisle and said “I do” to the man of my dreams.

I was a whole whoppin’ 18 years old, but y’all. My heart was head-over-heels.

So today, I thought I’d share a few tips for lasting 19 years and being more in love than ever before.

Tip #1 – Laugh. Often. Like, seriously. Life is too short. Make jokes. Tickle. Sing at the top of your longs off tune on purpose just to annoy kids in the back seat. Try on silly hats. Watch funny Youtube videos together. I don’t care what you do, but make sure you have FUN together and exercise those laughter-skills often!

Tip #2 – Kiss. Often. Sometimes it’s just a little peck to say I love you, but don’t forget the window-fogging-up and toe-tingling kinds too!

Tip #3 – Forgive. Every time. Life is too short to stay mad and hold a grudge.

Tip #4 – Challenge your perspective. There is such value in not digging in your heels but instead, taking a step back and trying on your spouse’s glasses (not literally–I’d be blind with my hubby’s glasses…) to see things from his perspective. Things look a lot different over there. And the more you try on their glasses–the more they will start to be curious to try on yours.

Tip #5 – Don’t fret the small stuff. Really? Does it matter that they leave their dirty laundry on the floor or can’t close a dresser drawer or cabinet to save their life? My sweet hubby has learned a long time ago to love me despite these flaws of mine. (Yup, I’m the messy one of our relationship. He loves me still. PHEW!)

Tip #6 – View fighting as a really good excuse to make-up. (I’ll let your mind fill in the rest….)

Tip #7 – Date night. Don’t stop doing them!!!! It doesn’t matter what you do. It could be dressing up and going to a nice dinner and a show–or going to the movies and McDonalds in your jeans and t-shirts. Don’t forget to have time for just the two of you–sans kids or other people. (Can’t afford a babysitter? Find another couple and trade babysitting favors! Or rope a relative into the privilege. And hint: your kids are better for it too!!!)

Tip #8 – Did I mention to kiss often? Regardless, it’s worth mentioning twice!!!

Tip #9 – Budget together. I’m serious. Experts say that money issues are one of the biggest stresses and problems in marriages. Take an hour or two once a month to make a budget for the next month–and then honor your spouse by sticking to it. Have a spouse that doesn’t always stick to it? See tip #3 and maybe #4 too.

Tip #10 – Jesus. Don’t forget Jesus. Pray together. Read your Bible together. Go to church together. Talk about what God is teaching you or speaking to you.

Anyone have any tips to add??

~Krista Phillips – wife to my Handsome Hunk, Scott. (calling your spouse cutsie, eye-rolling names isn’t a bad idea either…)

Krista Phillips (49 Posts)

Krista Phillips writes inspirational romance with a dash of smiles. She believes a sprinkle of laughter (and a wee bit of chocolate) makes everything a little better! She blogs regularly about life as a wife, mother, follower of Jesus, and mother of a child with a rare congenital heart defect at www.kristaphillips.com. She is represented by Sarah Freese of WordServe Literary.