| Almost all married couple face an occasional lull or | | | | person performs to bring home a check can |
| dryness during the course of their relationship. It's | | | | spark some discussion. |
| real, it's part of being human - accept that. But | | | | While it is not imperative to develop in depth |
| don't stand for it! Indeed, it's commonplace at | | | | knowledge of your spouse's field, frequently you |
| times that virtually every aspect of the | | | | can pick up intriguing information in casual |
| relationship becomes routine - if not somewhat | | | | conversation. You might be pleasantly surprised to |
| boring - and it is during these low points problems | | | | discover you become someone your spouse can |
| tend to arise. | | | | turn TO rather than AWAY from during times of |
| Find New Interests | | | | professional crisis. (Of course, don't discuss |
| It is important that you develop a willingness to | | | | company confidential information with your mate.) |
| maintain the passion and excitement of your | | | | Religion and Spirituality |
| marital relationship - not just in the beginning and | | | | If you and your spouse are active in your faith, |
| during the good times, but always. Part of the | | | | turning to religious interests is a great way to do |
| key involves demonstrating a genuine interest in | | | | something fulfilling as a couple. Often, even those |
| your partner's interests and personality. | | | | without a lot of time to invest can find a way to |
| Alright, so where to begin? One of the easiest | | | | help others and their marriage through their |
| place to look for common interests - or at least a | | | | religious commitments. |
| place to start - is recreation. For example, does | | | | Other Common Interests |
| your spouse like a particular sport? Puzzles, board | | | | If you still can't think of common interests to |
| games or video games? Movies, eating out, going | | | | share with your spouse, don't give up. There are |
| for a walk? Renting a boat, discussing news | | | | many other activities that couples can share |
| events, swimming? | | | | depending on your personal preferences. For |
| Common interests don't have to be flashy or | | | | example, if your spouse is a bibliophile, you may |
| expensive. Each of you can list (on paper) your | | | | want to commit a half hour or so reading to one |
| top 10 interests, find those which match (do | | | | another in bed at night - an activity that can be |
| them!), and even expand your horizons by trying | | | | both intimate and bonding. Or if you aren't really |
| some that don't match. | | | | much into reading aloud, you might opt instead for |
| The Necessity of Work | | | | reading the same book and discussing it |
| In many marriages, one partner's dedication to a | | | | afterward. |
| job can drive a wedge between an otherwise | | | | These are only a few of the almost limitless |
| dedicated couple. One way to avoid this is to take | | | | activities married partners can share to spice up |
| an interest in your partner's career - after all, | | | | their relationship - and to help keep the spark of |
| money is certainly a necessity and the work a | | | | companionship burning. |