activity / idea
Eat lunch together. Share bites of each other’s meals. Switch things up by trying a new ethnic food. (On a budget? Share a dish … and maybe you’ll get dessert, too.)

Commit to talk about the challenging stuff later; focus right now on making positive memories. Try to make your spouse laugh at least twice.

suggested time range
20-30 minutes

goal
Relational connection is better with food. Taking bites from each other’s plates isn’t something you’d do with just anyone. Solidify your marital intimacy in everyday settings.

activity / idea
 Make it a goal to get your spouse laughing. Keep a hilarious anecdote in mind from your day; share a YouTube video; refer to an inside joke; look up a goofy joke and send it as a text.

suggested time range
5-10 minutes

goal
Remind your spouse you two still know how to have fun.

activity / idea
Smile at your spouse across the dinner table. At a minimum of once daily, express your gratitude for something they’ve done. Commit to abstain for one week from mentioning your mate’s weaknesses/failures.

suggested time range
One minute. Repeat at least once daily.

goal
Communicate appreciation and enjoyment of your spouse.

activity / idea
Wear an outfit you know your spouse will like.

suggested time range
5-10 minutes

goal
Be a student of what your spouse enjoys. Even if your spouse doesn’t seem to notice, find happiness in giving without receiving.

As you cool down, it’s time to reflect.

Read Song of Solomon 1:2, 2:4:
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine…

He brought me to the banqueting house,
and his banner over me was love.”

Pray together, remember to stretch yourself this week for the sake of your spouse, and stay flexible with your growth:

Lord, help us drink each other in and savor each other. Remind us all over again what You created when You brought us together—and help us continue to fight for it.