You’ve had your big day, the lovely wedding you spent months, or even years, planning. The honeymoon is over and life is back to normal. Similar to postpartum depression, some women do experience post wedding depression. It generally strikes a few weeks to a year following the big event. After all, day to day normal life is a bit of a letdown following months of wedding planning, anticipation and a fabulous honeymoon holiday. Since divorce isn’t what you want, choose to deal with the daily routine that is life as a married couple and grow closer together, not further apart. That’s the whole point of marriage, right? It doesn’t have to be responsibly dull on a daily basis though. Nurture your marriage for the long haul and look forward to those milestone anniversaries.
1. BACK TO BASICS – KEEP DATING
Remind each other how it was when you first met and started dating. In fact, it’s not only a good idea to establish regular date nights, it’s a necessity. Couples who last 50+ years still in love will almost always say they continued dating each other. Don’t toss on old sneakers and raggedy t-shirts. Dress like you’re going on a 1st or 2nd date with your strongest crush ever. In other words, put some effort into it.
2. PLAN ADVENTURES
Yes, you’re in a normal routine now but that doesn’t mean all planning and anticipation has to stop. Most people living near amazing tourist attractions, rarely see them. Look for great places to see within short distances and plan weekend getaways.
3. HAVE LAUGH AND FLIRT
Spice things up with the unexpected. Put on your wedding dress and dance before dinner. Flirt with the one you love and whisper something sexy in his ear. Suggest skinny dipping at midnight and see his face light up. Watch an old movie and enjoy a delicious dessert together in a candlelit room.
4. STAY ACTIVE
Find a sport you both enjoy or better yet, try something brand new together. From indoor rock climbing to ice skating or kayaking, there are a multitude of sports that are fun, some with the added benefit of building up trust level. If he’ll hold you steady on the rock wall, he’ll hold you steady throughout life, right?
5. MEMORIES AND LEGACY
Remember life’s excitement didn’t end with your wedding. That was one day in what will hopefully be a lifetime of days together. Rekindle the romance with a visit to the hotel where you held the wedding reception or enjoyed your honeymoon. Write the manager and ask about a special package for a small scale 2nd honeymoon. Better yet, make it a tradition to go back regularly every few years and later, when kids come along, share most of your wonderful memories with them as well.
Don’t get caught off guard with post-wedding blues. By looking to the future, while purposely making your present life fun, you’re creating a legacy of love and endurance. If you want to be one of those couples that make 45 or 50 years, embrace the challenge now and vow to stay at work on keeping your relationship exciting and full of love.
