There are many ways to spice up a marriage without sacrificing too much time or money. Many people rely on fancy second honeymoons and extravagant dinners to rekindle the romance in their marriage. There are many fun and simple ways to increase the love and intimacy between yourself and your partner without breaking the bank.

One idea is to make every X day (Wednesday for example), date night. This does not mean that you have to actually go out on a date, but if you have the financial means and a good babysitter for those with children, go for it. Date night should be simple and fun, but the point is to focus on each other. Turn off the T.V. and eat dinner at the kitchen table. Add some nice candles and your favorite music. If you have children put them to bed or distract them with their favorite movie to give you and your spouse much needed alone time. Tell your spouse how beautiful you think they are, hold their hand, rub their knee, you get the point. The action of labeling one night during the week as ‘date night’ will help to put the focus on your relationship, and remind you that all relationships need tending to.

Another fun idea to spice up a marriage is to make coupon booklets for one another. This booklet should include “coupons” or certificates for certain things that you know your spouse would love.  If your spouse loves backrubs and hates to do the dishes, fill the booklet with free 10-minute backrub certificates and a Get out of washing dishes certificate. It is a fun and free way to tell your spouse you care about them. Don’t forget to actually use the certificates on one another.

Visual imagery can go a long way in spicing up a marriage. Remember back in junior high and high school when you would daydream about that gorgeous classmate of yours? That daydreaming was a sure way to get you hot and bothered then; and it will do the same thing now. When you are at work typing away on the computer, or sitting in your car stuck in traffic, let your mind wander. Think about a time where you were extremely attracted to your spouse or remember an especially amazing lovemaking session.

Let those memories linger in your mind and replay every sizzling detail. Let your mind wander and thing about the things you love so much about your spouse and the things you find extremely attractive. Plan what you are going to do and say to your spouse when you finally have a moment alone together. This imagery can go a long way in keeping the spark alive in a marriage.

One unconventional idea that can help bring spice into a marriage is to spend time apart from your spouse. When individuals are separated from their loved ones, the little things that have been bothering them seem to fade away and all that remains is love and passion. So pack up your bags and spend a weekend away from each other. Maybe your spouse can watch the kids and you can visit your friends for the weekend. You do not need to be separated for a long period of time; a few days will do the trick.

The idea in spicing up your marriage is to remind each other why you became married in the first place. Many life stressors such as jobs, kids and finances can take the focus away from one another during a marriage. Incorporating small activities into your daily routine can make a huge difference in the overall quality of your marriage, and satisfaction with your spouse.