My partner and I have been blissfully united in matrimony for nearly two decades. While it might seem like just a blink of an eye, the passage of time is undeniable. We have shared a significant portion of our adult lives together, and honestly, we wouldn’t trade that for anything.
One of the most rewarding aspects of a long-lasting marriage is the predictability it brings. Sure, surprises and spontaneity have their merits, but the comforting certainty that tomorrow will dawn just as it always has is a treasure in itself. We rely on specific routines that become second nature, and when they’re disrupted, it’s noticeable.
Recently, my husband had to travel for five days, and waking up alone after so many years felt strange. What really hit hard was having to brew my own coffee—talk about a rude awakening! I’ve become quite accustomed to being pampered. Every morning, my wonderful spouse rises before I do, brews me a latte, and brings it to my bedside.
This cherished ritual not only delights me but brings him joy too. Admittedly, I’m the luckier one in this arrangement, but his laughter when he sees my face light up with excitement is priceless. “You’re adorable, all hyped up for your coffee,” he teases.
“You’re the best,” I reply, giving him a kiss while cradling my beloved red mug, emblazoned with the word “Love” in delicate letters. It’s always filled to the rim, topped with velvety foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. This morning routine warms me from head to toe.
Curious about the little rituals that other couples have, I reached out to friends, and I was delighted to discover that many of them revolve around coffee, rest, and intimacy. Here are some of the sweet and slightly cheeky traditions shared by others:
- “Every morning, when one of the kids wakes up, my husband takes the lead. I get to enjoy an extra 30 minutes—sometimes two hours!—of sleep while he prepares breakfast and hands me my coffee when I finally come down.” –Lena
- “We always hold hands while driving. It started with my husband, and at first, I found it a bit suffocating. Now, after 16 years, I’m so grateful I didn’t push back.” –Maya
- “My husband cooks dinner nightly, and I tell him it’s the best meal I’ve had in the last 24 hours. He brews coffee every morning, and I give him the same compliment. We enjoy shows together at dinner, especially if it’s something we can critique!” –Jake
- “We affectionately refer to our afternoon delights as ‘marriage meetings.’ It’s a playful code in front of the kids: ‘Hey love, think we should schedule a meeting? Tomorrow works?’” –Tina
- “Almost every night he gives me foot massages, and then we end up joking around.” –Sam
- “We keep a journal of our intimate moments right on the bedside table. We even have codes for how we achieved them—with double points for simultaneous bliss!” –Ellie
- “Every Friday is pizza night. I prep the dough, and he bakes the pizza when he returns home.” –Nina
- “On Sundays, my husband takes the kids out, giving me time to either clean or catch up on sleep. When they return, he brings them home fed and ready for fun while I prepare for our day. There’s a sweet little game we play where I ask him if he loves me, and he answers, ‘Yes!’ I then ask how much, and he replies, ‘Plenty.’ His wedding band even says ‘Plenty and Enough.’” –Diana
- “We have a ritual of daily walks that has continued for 15 years.” –Mark
- “Whenever I get home, my husband steps outside to greet me. It’s such a lovely gesture that shows he values our time together.” –Olivia
- “I hide little notes in my husband’s suitcase when he travels, and he does the same for me. It’s a sweet surprise every time!” –Sophie
- “Since I’m easily startled, my husband always announces his presence with a gentle, ‘Anyone home?’ It’s a sweet way to start our mornings together, reading the paper and solving crosswords.” –Rae
- “Every morning, he makes breakfast and coffee, and after the kids go to bed, we indulge in our secret stash of chocolate while watching TV.” –Bella
While these rituals aren’t essential for a happy marriage—one friend mentioned they’ve been joyfully married for 44 years without any—many of us find that these small, consistent acts of kindness foster connection and comfort in our relationships.
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In summary, these cherished rituals, no matter how small, contribute significantly to the warmth and joy of married life. They remind us that it’s often the simplest acts of love that keep our relationships thriving.