Building and maintaining intimacy in marriage is a continuous process, but certain intentional actions once a year can significantly strengthen the bond between spouses.
By setting aside time to prioritize each other, emotionally and physically, you create space for deeper connection. Here are ten things every couple should do at least once a year to nurture their intimacy and ensure their relationship remains strong and fulfilling.
1. Take a Vacation Together
One of the best ways to rekindle intimacy is by escaping the routine and going on a vacation together. This is something we implemented a few years ago, and now we are addicted to it as we have seen the benefits from it.
Whether it’s a tropical beach getaway or a weekend at a nearby cabin, or even an amazing marriage retreat like the Intimacy and Adventure Retreat (for only $2,999.00 per couple), getting away from the everyday stressors allows you to focus on each other.
The key is to find something you both enjoy and spend that time together! The reason why this is so powerful, is vacations help break up the monotony and give you uninterrupted time to connect, talk, and enjoy one another’s company.
Sharing these new experiences can also reignite the spark and give you memories to cherish long after the trip is over. Being alone together gives you plenty of time to connect sexually and as well.
2. Plan a Day of No Technology
With screens being such a huge part of daily life, it’s important to carve out at least one day a year when you unplug completely. Dedicate this day to focusing on each other, without the distractions of phones, TV, or social media.
Spend the day talking, playing games, or engaging in activities that help you reconnect. This digital detox allows you to be fully present, which deepens emotional intimacy.
3. Revisit Your Wedding Vows
Once a year, take some time to reflect on the vows you made to each other on your wedding day. This could be a private moment, or you could make it part of an anniversary celebration. Re-reading or even rewriting your vows can remind you of the commitment you made to one another and reignite those feelings of love and dedication. It also serves as a great opportunity to reaffirm your promises to grow and support each other as your marriage evolves.
4. Have a Relationship Check-In
Once a year, have an honest relationship check-in. Sit down and talk about how you’re feeling in the marriage—what’s working, what could improve, and what each of you needs moving forward. This isn’t meant to be a stressful conversation, but rather an opportunity to communicate openly about your relationship’s health. By discussing your emotional, physical, and sexual needs, you can work on strengthening intimacy in all areas.
A great time to do this is also on a walk or hike together, or even when you are alone on vacation 🙂
5. Do Something That Scares You Together
Stepping out of your comfort zone as a couple can create a deeper bond. Do something exciting or a bit daring—like zip-lining, skydiving, or even taking a cooking class in a cuisine you’ve never tried. Doing something that scares you together builds trust, fosters teamwork, and creates a sense of adventure in your relationship, which can reignite feelings of excitement and closeness.
Swimming with the sharks definitely got Amy out of her comfort zone on our last vacation!
6. Spend a Weekend Reconnecting with Your Love Languages
Each of you has a unique way of giving and receiving love, and it’s easy to fall into habits that don’t always speak to your spouse’s love language. Once a year, dedicate a weekend to focusing on each other’s primary love languages—whether it’s words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, or receiving gifts. This focused time ensures that both of you feel loved in the way that resonates most deeply.
7. Set New Goals Together
Intimacy grows when you and your spouse work toward shared goals. Whether it’s personal growth goals, financial goals, or dreams for your future together, sit down at least once a year and create a plan.
Setting goals shows you’re committed to moving forward together and strengthens emotional intimacy. Plus, achieving these goals as a team helps foster a sense of accomplishment and unity in the relationship.
8. Do a Bedroom Refresh
Once a year, make an effort to refresh your bedroom. This doesn’t have to be an extensive renovation—something as simple as new bedding, rearranging furniture, or adding mood lighting can create a new ambiance.
The goal is to create a space that feels inviting and romantic, setting the stage for more intimate moments. A small change in the bedroom environment can help bring a new level of excitement to your physical connection.
9. Take a Class or Learn a New Skill Together
Learning something new together strengthens your bond and gives you more shared experiences to build intimacy on. It could be a dance class, pottery, cooking, or even a fitness challenge.
Couples that learn and grow together continue to evolve, keeping the relationship dynamic and interesting. Plus, the shared effort in mastering something new brings you closer, reminding you of the importance of teamwork in your relationship.
10. Plan a “Just Us” Day at Home
Not all intimate moments require grand gestures or getaways. Once a year, plan an entire day at home where you focus on nothing but each other. Create a romantic at-home experience, from breakfast in bed to movie marathons or even a spa day for two.
Turn off distractions, order your favorite food, and simply enjoy each other’s presence. This simple, low-pressure day can have a surprisingly powerful impact on your intimacy.
By incorporating these annual rituals, you and your spouse can cultivate a deeper emotional, physical, and sexual connection that keeps your marriage vibrant and thriving. These activities remind you to invest in your relationship, ensuring that both of you feel valued, loved, and connected throughout the years.
Ultimate Intimacy
