Putting the spark back into your relationship with your spouse can feel like a new beginning. Longtime couples all too often fall into a rut while dealing with day-to-day domestic life over the years; communication and relationship work can take a back seat to other time commitments. Taking time away, just the two of you, can help rekindle the feelings that drew you to each other in the first place.
Plan a long weekend or weeklong retreat where you two are captive audiences for each other. On the retreat, undertake the following suggested steps as a daily ritual: First, hold hands, walk and talk, and freely express your most intimate selves to each other. Go fishing or ride horseback or do some other fun activity. Doing fun things together can facilitate communication. Pledge your desire to draw closer and formulate a plan with your partner for how the two of you will do that. Talk about your plan again before bed. Promise each other that going forward you’ll make efforts to ensure that your relationship remains a priority.