Rekindling Romance: Surprising Your Spouse

I’ve been happily married for 12 years now, and with a son and two beautiful daughters, our life is full and very busy. It’s so easy to get caught up in school runs, laundry, and making sure everyone is where they need to be. When life gets like this, the husband and wife part of you can get put on the back burner, and you become more like business partners running a home. It happens to the best of us, but we have to remember to be more than just parents.

That’s why I think surprises are so important in a marriage. It doesn't have to be a big, expensive trip. It can be something really small. A surprise is just a sweet way of saying, 'Even with all the chaos of our day, I took a moment to think just about you.' It shows you are paying attention and that his happiness is on your mind. It really is the thought that counts the most.

These little moments pull you out of the daily routine and remind you why you fell in love in the first place. They help you remember that you are a man and a woman who love each other, not just a mom and a dad. Keeping that connection strong is the key to a happy marriage and a happy family. It’s like adding a little log to the fire to make sure it keeps burning bright.

Do you remember what it was like when you were first dating? I remember the thrill of my husband showing up to take me out for the evening, and I had no idea where we were going. It was so exciting and romantic. Well, who says that has to stop just because you're married? As wives, we can bring that same wonderful feeling back into our relationship by planning a surprise for him.

You can plan a complete date night from start to finish and keep it a total secret. Just tell him something like, 'Be ready at 7 p.m. on Friday, and wear something nice.' By taking care of all the plans, like arranging for a babysitter and making the reservation, you let him just relax and feel special. He works hard for the family, and it's a blessing to be able to treat him and take the pressure off for an evening.

The date itself can be whatever you think he would enjoy. You could get tickets to see his favorite sports team, go to that steakhouse he’s been talking about, or even just pack a simple picnic to enjoy at a local park. The point is that you are taking the lead to create a special memory for just the two of you. It shows him in a real way that you cherish your time together and want to make him happy.

Romance doesn't always have to be about a big night out. I think the truest romance is found in the simple, everyday things we do for our husbands. These small gestures, done consistently, build a strong foundation of love and affection. They are the little 'I love yous' that you show, not just say, throughout the week.

One of the simplest ways to show my husband I care is by cooking his favorite dinner on a regular weeknight. When he comes home tired from work and smells that pot roast he loves, I can see the stress just melt away from his face. It makes our home feel like a warm and welcoming place for him, a real sanctuary from the outside world.

Another easy thing to do is to pick up his favorite snack or drink when you're at the grocery store. Leaving his favorite brand of coffee by the coffee maker for him in the morning is such a small act. But it tells him that you know the little things that make him smile and that you want to bring him that small moment of joy.

My husband is a wonderful provider, and I make sure he knows how much I appreciate it. Sometimes, the best surprise is not a thing at all. When he walks through the door in the evening, I’ll often just wrap my arms around him in a big hug and say, 'Thank you for working so hard for us.' I know it means so much to him to feel respected and to know that his efforts are noticed and valued.

With all the responsibilities we have as adults and parents, it's so easy for life to become very serious. That's why I believe it’s so important to be playful with your husband and keep things fun. Laughter and lightheartedness are like a breath of fresh air in a marriage, and they remind you that you can still have fun together like you did when you were young.

A simple way to do this is to send him a fun, flirty text message during his workday. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, just a little message that says you're thinking of him and you can't wait for him to get home. It’s a little secret between the two of you that can brighten his whole day and build some excitement for the evening.

I also like to leave little surprises for him to find. Sometimes I’ll tuck a new paperback book from an author he likes into his work bag or leave his favorite candy bar on the driver's seat of his car. It's a fun little game that breaks up the normal, boring routine. It’s a playful way to show him he’s on my mind.

When you boil it all down, planning dates, making his favorite food, and sending flirty texts are all about one central idea. These actions show your husband that he comes first. In a family, the children naturally need a lot of our attention, but the marriage has to be the top priority. A strong marriage is the foundation of a strong family.

From my experience, men need to feel that their wives respect them, admire them, and truly love them. Surprises are a fantastic way to communicate all of these things. When you plan a special evening, you are showing your love. When you do something thoughtful just for him, you are showing your respect. This makes him feel like the king of his castle.

Every time you make the effort to surprise and bring joy to your husband, you are making a deposit into the bank account of your marriage. You are building a rich history of love, thoughtfulness, and fun that will carry you through a lifetime together. A happy, loving marriage is the greatest gift you can give each other, and it's the greatest gift you can give your children.