***3 Ways to be Married with Romance

It seems to me that marriages aren't working out so good. More than 50% of marriages end in divorce. The divorce rate for second marriages is even higher. This breaks my heart!

And what about the couples who decide to stay married…I wonder just how many of them are really happy together and crazy about each other?

Why aren't we excited about each other anymore? Are we bored? Do we feel stuck? Where is that hot, "stay up all night making love" passion that we used to have for each other? Have we stopped making an effort to take care of each other's needs and desires? Have we stopped paying attention to each other?

The truth is, after we've been together for a while, whether married or in a committed relationship, the new wears off. We have responsibilities. We have children. We no time! Plus, if we kept up the pace of passion that we once had, we would likely spontaneously combust!

So how do we keep the passion burning…if not all of the time, at least some of the time and hopefully most of the time?

How can we be married with romance?

I have a list of my beliefs about romance and love that I've written called The Romance Principles™. One of them states:

"We tend to respond to our mate the way he/she acts towards us."

For example, if someone seems very excited to see you, you will find yourself very excited to see them. In fact, it's hard not to be excited! It's contagious! Watch little kids and even your dog. We all love coming home to someone excited to see us!

Ronald Regan and Nancy Regan had a "love affair" marriage for many years. I love this quote from him. "There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the end of the day knowing that someone on the other side is waiting for the sound of his footsteps." And vice versa.

Here are 3 simple ways to show excitement for your most important person:

1. Smile at your mate like you mean it. Smiling is one of the most effective ways to be attractive to the opposite sex. A smile is powerful. It communicates acceptance and we all have a basic human need to be accepted. Offering acceptance to your mate is a powerful way to extend love. By smiling, you tell your mate that they are special to you and you recognize them as someone valuable to you.
2. Show your mate some enthusiasm! Most of us love to be around enthusiastic, passionate people! It's uplifting and makes us feel better. We respond to each other's lighter and more playful mood. Enthusiasm is contagious and it creates a bond between couples. Even your effort to be enthusiastic will be appreciated!
3. Flatter your mate sincerely: There isn't a man or woman alive that doesn't respond to sincere flattery from their mate. Flattery endears you to your sweetie! Your mate is grateful for and appreciative of your sincere attention…even if they don't show it! But a warning: Flattery is like cooking with fresh ginger, a little goes a long way! Don't over use it. If you are consistent and honest with it though, it will feel like a hug to your mate.

If you were to be honest with yourself, how much excitement do you show your most important person? You know, that person that you married? How much effort do you put into your smile, enthusiasm and sincere flattery? Honestly, we all may need a little look at ourselves! I include myself, too!

I want you to be excited about each other and be married with romance…forever!