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In late December, Ben and I celebrated our 13th anniversary (I know, I’m too young to have been married 13 years 😉 ). My wonderful parents kept all 4 kids and we were able to get away for a date night and overnight stay at one of our favorite driving-distance destinations.

Our wedding 13 years ago. We were babies!

It takes a lot of effort to keep a marriage thriving after many years, many children, and many stresses. However, intimacy is key to a healthy marriage so it’s vital to keep this aspect of the relationship alive.

With planning and intentionality, married couples can keep the home fires burning. Ben and I came up with a list together of ways to keep a marriage alive and fun, even after many years!

Here’s Ben’s list:

1.) Get away (alone) together

-even if it’s just for a few hours. Some of my best memories are from long-anticipated trips, romantic dining out experiences, or even a quick lunch date alone. I know life is busy and demanding, but intentionally setting aside “couple time” will fan the flames of passion like nothing else.

2.) Heart-felt words of affirmation and gratitude.

Both women and men need to hear often words like, “I’m glad I married you” and “I’m still attracted to you.” Think about your words before you say them.

3.) Physical touch- with no ulterior motive

When couples take time just to hold hands or give a quick peck on the cheek, it helps to cement the romance in the relationship. (from Kelli- see why I married this man??)

My List:

4.) Buy something you know the other likes, but doesn’t usually buy for him/herself.

I bought Ben a bag of beef jerky as part of his Christmas gift and you would thought I bought him a new car! We were playing a game a few weeks later with friends and he had to name his favorite Christmas gift. Yep, he said the beef jerky! It’s something simple and inexpensive that I can get for him occasionally just let him know I’m thinking of him.

5.) Have an “at-home” date night.

Although we love getting away, sometimes it just isn’t possible. We also love having at-home date nights– complete with candles, yummy food and sparkling apple cider or grape juice. And… sometimes it leads to romantic couple time. I know that intimacy is a topic that is often shied away from, but it’s completely a part of a healthy marriage!

When I was shopping at Wal-Mart a few weeks ago, I picked up the new K-Y® YOURS+MINE pack and then created a little at-home date for us. We had been extremely busy during the holidays and this was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy our marriage.

Also!! K-Y has a fun K-Y® DATE NIGHT deal! It includes a $50 value 1 free meal for two people from PEACHDISH.com delivered to your door for an intimate night of cooking together, a $5 VUDU movie credit for you to stream right at home and K-Y® YOURS+MINE. Perfect for a Valentine’s date night in!

What are your favorite ways to keep romance alive in your marriage? I’d love to hear in the comments!

Check out the K-Y® DATE NIGHT pack at Walmart.com for discreet purchasing.  For more great ways to celebrate romance this Valentine’s Day, visit K-Y.com