10 STEPS TO REIGNITE THE LOST SPARK IN YOUR MARRIAGE (PART 1)

The spark in your love life may be missing, but it's definitely not gone for good. All of us have a choice, and we can bring that magical spark back into love if we choose to. But you need to remember that something that's been missing for a while would take a considerable amount of time to come back again.

Bringing the spark back into your marriage can be a lot of fun, and it can make both of you feel like little kids again, but it does take some time and patience. But I can assure you, with every step along the way, you'll feel closer and more alive than ever before!

Follow these 10 steps, one step at a time, starting from the first all the way to the tenth. And by the time you get to the last step, you won't just rekindle the spark in your romance, both of you would feel completely infatuated by each other, all over again!

#1
Make time for each other. Every big change starts in small ways, and this is one such start. The first thing you need to do is learn to make time for each other. It's not about living together or sleeping together, but about bonding together or sharing something that's fun. Schedule a few hours every week, maybe a Sunday evening, to do something that both of you enjoy, like watching a movie or working on a pet project together.

#2 Communicate. Don't give up on each other. It's the biggest mistake you can make. Making time for each other is a start, but communication is what brings both of you closer together. Talk to each other frankly sugar coating the truth won't hurt though! And if there are a few things you don't like about your partner, talk about it with them.

And likewise, listen to your partner's opinions and take them into consideration too. Try to change for each other and learn from each other.

The second step is the hardest step, because it may annoy and frustrate both of you. But remember, this is an important part in the healing process and it will fix you!

#3 Pillow talk. Don't bring your worries into bed. Don't bring your gadgets or reading material into bed. This is the biggest mistake couples do. When you enter step three, make a habit of getting into bed with no distractions and just lie down together, even if it seems awkward or boring in bed because there are tons of things you could rather do.

You may not have too many things to talk about initially, but as a few nights pass, both of you may start talking to each other and communicating in a much better way.

#4 Get fit. Well, yes, this sucks, but you need to do this. Most couples let go after getting married or when they get into a long term relationship. They pile up several pounds, they stop dressing up and they just don't care anymore. If you're that partner, change yourself.

How would you care for your appearance if you were single, and if you had to go on a first date with someone you like, just how much of an effort would you put into dressing up for them?

Do you make the same effort for your partner who loves you and cares for you? Most probably, you don't. And why is that? Do you think your partner deserves less of you than a stranger on a first date? You may not want to admit it, but the fact is, you're taking your lover for granted and just don't care about their opinions. And it's time you stop that.

Try to impress your spouse and win their appreciation. Look good, dress well, use perfume, flirt and attract their attention!

#5 Surprise each other. The romantic gestures may have been forgotten, but it has to be brought back into your marriage. And if you care enough to bring the spark back into your marriage, you need to start somewhere. Do you remember how often you used to do nice things for each other at the start of the relationship? Why stop now? Is it because it's easier to just laze on the couch instead of walking down a street and buying flowers or a little sweet treat for your partner?

Make the effort to woo each other and surprise each other, at least in little ways. You can start small, and your partner will start reciprocating your effort too. 

WATCH OUT FOR PART 2
Written by my Colleague, Wale Lawal