By Shannon Seibert
America’s sweethearts Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary this past weekend. The stars married back in 2005 and are now the proud parents of three beautiful children. According to UsMagazine.com, the lovebirds enjoyed a romantic low-key dinner with red wine at Bistro 82 in Detroit, Michigan, where Affleck is currently filming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
What are some ways to spice up a long-term marriage?Â
Cupid’s Advice:Â
Marriage is a partnership, a love story, and, most importantly, a long-term commitment. To keep a marriage happy and healthy, it requires a lot of work on both ends. After a while, routine becomes inevitable, and couples can get too comfortable with one another. Sometimes, to get back on track, you have to make yourself uncomfortable and try new things. We’ve pulled together three ideas to keep your marriage feeling fresh and new.
1. Go on adventures: In many marriages, taking care of the kids, paying the bills, and going to work become the top priorities. Avoid neglecting your relationship by going out on spontaneous excursions together. Spending a weekend at a nearby bed and breakfast or going out for date night in another town can help rekindle those feelings from when you started dating.
Related Link:Â Keith Urban Serenades Nicole Kidman on Stage for 8th Anniversary
2. Flirt with each other: When you’re married, you have to keep dating your spouse. The stolen glances, the suggestive comments, and the subtle hints may seem trivial at this point, but they are all key factors in keeping the spark alive. Men like feeling wanted as much as women do, so send a little wink his way every now and then! By courting your spouse, it reminds them that you still want them in the same way you did when you first got together.
Related Link: Courteney Cox Is Engaged to Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid
3. Make plans without the kids: Yes, they are your pride and joy, but you and your man were together before children were even a thought. Splurge on that tropical vacay that you’ve been saving for. It doesn’t make you any less of a parent by spending a weekend on a cruise ship without them. If anything, by keeping your marriage healthy, you’re setting an excellent example for the standards of your children’s future relationships.
What are your secrets to a happy marriage? Share with us in the comments below!
