We’re all so busy with life’s commitments, whether it be work, study, children, family etc. that sometimes it’s easy to let time pass without spending time with our partners to be affectionate, intimate and loving. Whilst we may be talking to our partners about schedules, commitments and finances, it’s important in a happy and long-lasting relationship to make small emotional connections each day with our partners to show that we do cherish and love them.

After 50 years of marriage you have to decide which is better to strengthen your relationship.

Here are the 50 ideas for you to connect with your partner that don’t take a lot of energy or money. Pick the ones that suit you both and adjust for your own relationship.

1. 1. Focus on your partner when they’re talking, put your phone or tablet down.
   2. Dance outdoors when you’re on a walk or in any open space that’s relaxing
   3. Leave a love note in their pocket, bag or purse.
   4. Send a romantic message by text.
   5. Offer a shoulder massage
   6. Share a shower or bath
   7. Wake 5 minutes before you need to get up to cuddle.
   8. Reminisce about your first memorable dates.
   9. Watch your favourite comedian online and laugh together.
   10. Surprise your partner by dancing with them when a song you both like is playing

1. Kiss with feeling, not just a quick touch of the lips
2. Take time to talk about your shared dreams and desires.
3. Send a romantic message to their phone
4. Give your partner space away from the kids when they need it.
5. Always kiss before you go to sleep
6. Hide love notes in the cookie jar, the fridge or other unexpected places
7. Share a story from your past that you haven’t told them before
8. Take time to listen to their answer when you ask how their day has been.
9. Compliment their new outfit, new hairstyle or other enhancing physical change
10. Surprise your partner with a gift
11. Take on one of your partner’s chores that you know they don’t like.
12. Relax and snuggle up together and watch a movie that your partner has chosen
13. Tell your partner how proud you are at their achievements.
14. Say please and thank you. It shows respect.
15. Offer to help if your partner is troubled.
16. Be grateful for the little things your partner does for you.
17. A light touch on the arm is a way of showing you are there for your partner.
18. Tell a joke.
19. Laugh at their joke!
20. If you have the time and the skill, make something for your partner.
21. Draw a sketch that shows your love – even just a heart
22. Read a poem to your partner.
23. Eat together with phones and television turned off so that you have a chance to talk
24. Dine at a table with your best tableware, candles and soft music
25. Download a new song you think they will enjoy
26. Print out happy photos of you together and display them in the house
27. Order a take-out meal and take responsibility for clearing up afterwards
28. Leave a love message on the bathroom mirror (in steam, with lipstick or a sticky note!)
29. Slow dance to a love song. If you have teens, enjoy them squirm with embarrassment.
30. Sit outside and admire the stars in summer.
31. Run a bath and let your partner relax while you prepare dinner
32. Share your favourite snack
33. Make them coffee in the morning whilst they’re still in bed.
34. Hold hands when out in public or with family and friends.
35. Fill a treat jar of their favourite snacks
36. Surprise your partner with a personalised gift to wear as a reminder of your love.
37. Watch the sunrise together.
38. Establish a new weekly ritual of a board games night, a music night or whatever fits your style.
39. Schedule a date night and stick to it. It’s important.
40. Let your partner know when they act in a way that makes you fall in love with them all over again.
41. Tell your partner they are sexy.
42. Smile!