Any marriage can end up as a troubled marriage if we don't
pay attention to some of the small details, and perhaps do
something that is unexpected, or just different, on
occasions. Here are a couple of ideas to consider.

Try being corny sometimes. It sounds like a cliche but
doing something corny, like giving flowers, chocolate,
after shave, or any other presents on Valentine's Day, or
even at other times, really can be so romantic. Arrange a
candlelit dinner for the two of you, and play some sensual
music when you're feeling romantic. You should remember
that there is a reason some of these ideas are corny – it's
simply because they actually work! They help create that
romantic atmosphere which can keep the spark alive for you
both. So go ahead occasionally and be corny.

Try being unpredictable now and again, and do something
which is unexpected, that will help your spouse, or
partner, see that you care. As an example, if you have a
favorite take-away restaurant, then stop by on the way home
from work and give him, or her, a surprise and a night off
from cooking your meal. It sounds small but it counts
towards you showing that you consider your partner and want
to do something for both of you.

Another example; try doing an annoying chore that your
partner hates doing. With my wife it's ironing. I know that
she does the ironing so much better than me, if the truth
is known, but that's not the issue. I thought about it and
realized that she'd done enough ironing to take a break
from it for a few years! So I do it all now and I know she
appreciates it. Mind you I did spend a small fortune on
buying a new `super-duper' iron that gives off more steam
than an old-fashioned steam locomotive. I have to make up
for my shortcomings in ironing by using technology!

Seriously, think about a chore your spouse doesn't like
doing and take it over, even if it's only on occasions. In
my case I decided to take over responsibility for doing the
ironing, for the rest of our lives together. I know it
sounds stupid, but it really is worth it to me in the
'brownie points I get. My view was that if it makes my wife
feel more 'cared for' then the two or three hours I spent
on the task was well spent and worth the investment of my
time in it.

The fact is that anyone can end up in a troubled marriage
if we don't think things through and try and be more
thoughtful. Sometimes, doing those unpredictable things,
even the `corny' ones, can pay real dividends. Why not go
and write down a shortlist of items you could consider
doing to help your spouse, or partner, and then do them for
him, or her? Or you could share them between you perhaps,
if you don't feel you could take them over permanently. For
some people being romantic comes easy, for others it is
less so. But try and work on ideas that can help to cement
your relationship, and friendship - even if they seem to be
a bit corny to you. They may not be 'worn-out' to your
spouse, or partner, so just go ahead and be corny from time
to time.