Thirteen years ago, my husband James and I said “I Do.” We were the typical lovey-dovey newlywed couple who wanted to spend every waking moment with each other. Going to the grocery store was bliss. Garage sale shopping was bliss. Biking around the lake was bliss. Anything was bliss as long as we were together.
But something threatened to burst our bubble—advice from our friends.
Oh, enjoy it now. It won’t last. In a few months, you’ll totally be over all this and start acting normal again.”
Just wait until you’ve been married for a few years. You won’t be so starry eyed.”
After you have kids, forget about romance.”
After a while, we didn’t want to hear anymore of this reality-based depressing advice. Sure we understood that the butterflies would subside, but why shouldn’t we always act as if we were in love?
Finally, one lone voice gave us the best marriage advice we could have received.
Never let the honeymoon end. It’s much easier to keep love alive than to try to revive something that has died.”
We both agreed that this advice was golden. We made a choice then to love one another and keep honeymoon-like behaviors alive in our marriage—opening car doors, making love, having meals together, talking about our days, holding hands…
Several years into our marriage, we were teaching a young marrieds class at our church. The newlywed couples were super-glued to each other. Eyes were locked. Hands were held. Hair was twirled.
I looked over at James. Remember we’re the teachers…we were sitting about three feet apart! That gap seemed enormous in comparison to the love birds in front of us. We realized we needed a refresher course on affection!
If as a couple you are committed to learn and grow closer through the years; you will enjoy a lifelong honeymoon. It doesn’t mean every day is like a cruise on the Love Boat. But it does mean that you do schedule those “Love Boat” moments as highlights to look forward to.
Remember how you acted on your honeymoon? You smiled, cuddled, relaxed, laughed, and made great memories together. That’s something you can do for your whole life. Heed the advice:
Never let the honeymoon end. It’s much easier to keep love alive than to try to revive something that has died.”
What’s something you do to keep the honeymoon alive in your marriage?
