Even the word “honeymoon” itself comes from an old tradition that involved sweetness with an expiration date.

Change up your dates

Date nights are a key part of keeping a romantic relationship on track.

The good news is that couples can use this advice to spice up a stale marriage.

Couple not facing each other

Go on a stroll one week, then bake cookies together the next week.

“It isn’t about how much [money] is spent on the event,” Grande wrote.

Men from both groups were approached by a woman after crossing their respective bridges.

Elderly couple cooks together

In other words, doing something frightening can trick our brains into feeling more romantic.

Put simply, too much stress makes it difficult for couples to enjoy each other.

Learning useful relaxation strategies can help couples find the inner calm to enjoy intimate moments together.

Couple on an amusement ride

Mindfulness techniques might include breathing deeply and meditating (viaPsych Central).

In that sense, relaxing together is a fun and stress-free way to spice up a stale marriage.

Partners are constantly sending each other signs that they would like to connect (viaGottman Institute).

Couple putting on beauty face masks

These are called “bids.”

Accepting a bid could sound like, “Wow!

That butterfly is so pretty.”

Couple looks at sports watch

Interestingly, bid acceptance has a huge impact in terms of relationship satisfaction.

The frequency of bid acceptance is closely correlated to the divorce rate (viaGottman Institute).

Science shows that when both people in a relationship show gratitude, they are happier together.

Elderly couple laughing

The results found that couples who communicated feelings of gratitude were more likely to feel satisfied in their partnerships.

Additionally, they were less likely to consider breaking up in the future.

This research shows that there are simple ways to incorporate gratitude into daily life.

Woman whispers into man’s ear

Gordon advises couples to show thanks as deeply as possible.

That’s where active listening comes in.

As a result, active listening can help partners feel engaged in their relationships.

Couple with their foreheads together

“Sex motivates human beings to connect, regardless of gender.

One way to reignite that spark is by increasing pillow talk before bedtime.

Try something new together

Trying something new often requires getting out of one’s comfort zone.

Couple on yoga date

And that can be, well, uncomfortable.

“This year, my husband and I have taken up tennis.

Because of this, couples who are trying to build a stronger marriage should give something new a try.

Couple out for drinks

If partners are willing to try something that involves physical exercise, they may see even more benefits.

On the contrary, remembering the past is a huge part of being in a romantic relationship.

According toScientific American, people in love tend to have a much better memory than those who aren’t.

Couple hugs on a walk

Interestingly, the particular sharpness of love-related memories seems to serve an evolutionary purpose.

As a result, couples looking to spice up a stale marriage might want to reminisce about the past.

According to the study, these conversations can make couples feel closer together.

Couple embraces

By retelling a piece of their shared history, partners can rekindle the sensation of belonging to each other.

“The article explores the list of 36 questions created by New York research psychologist Arthur Aron.

And that was the point of the questionnaire.

As Aron toldBrides, “We set up experiments where we set up people to feel romantic connections.”

However, the researcher has said he doesn’t believe that the questionnaire will necessarily lead to love.

Nonetheless, the 36 questions present a fun opportunity for married couples to grow closer together.

“You want to know the other person cares about you.”

Partners should listen closely to each other’s responses and express as much affection as possible.

Maybe they will evenfall in loveagain.

Be affectionate

Affection may seem like the cherry on top of an otherwise healthy relationship.

Nonetheless, science shows that affection is not as superfluous as some would think.

A 2020 study found that receiving non-sexual physical affection increased men’s overall relationship satisfaction (viaBinghampton University).

One of the reasons for this correlation between affection and marital bliss is that physical touch is so powerful.

“Couples believe affection is simply an inspired by-product of a feeling.

However, it can be the other way around.

Love, connectedness, and caring can be sparked by physical touch,” Deverich said.

These gestures can make couples feel a deeper sense of love and intimate connection.