Tip # 1 - Date Nights
Its tough to find time to actually date your spouse but it is important to the marriage. Date night doesn't just refer to watching a movie from Netflix, it is important to get dressed up once and awhile and actually go out on a date with your spouse. Hire a sitter and try to go out on a date at least once a week or 2-3 times a month. If you don't have a lot of money, rent a movie from Redbox and have a nice movie night when the kids go to bed. Make a big deal out of it and rent a romantic one and turn down the lights and cuddle up with your spouse. Date nights are essential for married couples as they help to draw the two of you closer together and they help you both let go of your worries and frustrations. It's important to spend time talking to one another where you can both share your hopes and goals for the future.

Tip # 2 - Little Gestures
One of the best things you can do for your spouse is to smile at them and do small gestures that let them know how much you love them. If you only see each other for 5 minutes in the morning before work, take those 5 minutes to stop what you are doing and give them a big hug and a kiss. Offer small compliments to them throughout the day and do small things without being asked. Never take them for granted and do not act like a drill sergeant that bosses them around. They get enough of that at work; you are there to be their support group and the person that loves them for their strengths and their weaknesses.

Tip # 3 - Communicate
Communication is essential in the marriage. Make time for meaningful discussions and small talk. Take a road trip together and just spend time talking to one another about your hopes, desires, fears, plans, etc. When your spouse is talking, listen to them. Don't cut them off or act uninterested. Repeat a couple of the things they said so they know you are truly listening to them. Proper communication in a marriage will avoid confusion and it will help the two of you maintain a healthy relationship. If you have a hard time talk to your spouse about certain things, attend counseling together. The therapist can help the two of you learn communication tools that will help you grow closer together. Make the most of the time you have to talk together and do it often.

Tip # 4 - Spend time together
Even if you and your spouse are complete opposites, you still share a few common interests. To build a stronger marriage, start spending more time together. Enroll in a class or try a new activity that neither one of you has tried before. Go to the gym together, go hiking, go camping, etc. Find activities that you both enjoy doing and go out and do them. If you can't find activities you both enjoy, alternate some of your favorite activities. One week you will both do something your husband likes and the next week you will do something you enjoy. This is a great way to show your spouse more about your personality and to have them share in some of your hobbies.

Tip # 5 - Intimacy
In many marriages, intimacy is one of the first things that will fade. Be aware of your needs and your spouses' needs. If you are parents, it may be hard to make time for sex, but it is important for your marriage. Be spontaneous even if it means you need to stay up a little later or wake up earlier. Make sex a priority in your marriage and it will give you and your spouse the closeness you need to stay motivated and committed to your marriage.