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How to Increase Joy in Marriage

Spend time together—cooking, walking or playing a board game.

A young couple rides bikes together
Credit: fstop123
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In any relationship, it’s important to make time to connect with your partner on an emotional level. Carving time out each day to talk about how you’re feeling, share stories from your day, or just express your love for each other is a positive habit that is well worth developing. It all comes down to building a sense of joy in marriage.

Not only will it help you to feel closer to your partner, but it will also create a deeper sense of intimacy and connection. For newlyweds, this can be especially crucial in helping to build a strong and healthy marriage. Over time, this daily ritual can become one of the most cherished parts of your relationship.

Couple cooking together in their kitchen to increase joy in marriage

Cook dinner together as a couple

One of the easiest ways to increase joy in a marriage is to make sure that you cook dinner together at least a few nights each week. It’s so easy to get caught up in your own lives, but when you’re working side-by-side in the kitchen, it gives you a chance to really focus on each other and catch up on what’s going on in your lives.

Even though cooking can be a lot of work, many people find it helps them to relax after a long day and bring some joy to the marriage. Plus, it’s always nice to know that there’s someone there to help with the dishes!

Couple walking their dog on a suburban street to increase joy in their marriage

Take a walk around the neighborhood

A favorite activity for many couples is to take a walk around the neighborhood. It’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy some quality conversation. Try to go for a walk in the evening, when the weather is likely cooler and the streets are less crowded.

Often, you’ll see neighbors out walking their dogs or taking a jog; it’s always nice to stop and chat for a few minutes. There’s something about being out in the fresh air that just seems to make conversation flow more easily. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the neighborhood.

Senior couple playing chess together to increase joy in their marriage

Play a board game together

Setting aside time to disconnect from technology and connect with loved ones is important in any relationship. Board games are a great way to have fun and spend quality time with your partner. They allow you to unplug and be fully present with each other. They also help you to learn more about each other.

For example, you may discover that your partner is more competitive than you realized or a trivia game may uncover one of your spouse’s passions. Board games are a great way to get to know each other better and have some laughs along the way. So, after dinner, ditch the screens and break out a board game instead.

Young couple riding a tandem bike outside to increase joy in marriage

Go for a bike ride

Biking is a great activity for newlyweds and long-time married couple to do together: it’s a fun way to get some low-impact exercise and to save money on transportation. It’s also a great way to see the sights in a new city. You can bike to the grocery store, to work, or even to a friend’s house. If you are feeling like you want to be particularly cozy you can even try out a tandem bicycle!

Couple high fiving while gardening together to increase joy in marriage

Plant a garden

A new home is a great opportunity to start a garden. For many people, the act of planting and nurturing a garden is a symbol of new beginnings. Whether you are newlyweds starting your life together or a long-time couple looking for a new hobby, gardening can be a great way to connect with nature and add some beauty to your home.

While starting a garden may seem like a daunting task, there are a few simple steps you can follow to get started. First, choose a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight. Then, decide what kind of plants you would like to grow. Once you have your plants, it’s time to start digging! Be sure to loosen the soil and add some compost before planting your new flowers or vegetables. With a little love and care, your garden will soon be blooming.

Whether it’s cooking dinner together, taking a walk, or just sitting down to talk, make sure you carve out time each day to connect with your spouse and nurture your relationship. Try out different things and see what works for you both. What are some ways you like to connect with your spouse?

READ MORE WAYS TO INCREASE JOY IN MARRIAGE:

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