Marriage Isn’t Built in a Day: Try These 3 Weekly Habits
3 Weekly Musts for a Healthy Marriage
Because Connection Doesn’t Just Happen - It’s Built.
Marriage isn’t just about big milestones like weddings, anniversaries, buying homes or raising children. It’s made in the in-between: the small habits, the everyday efforts, and the consistent intention to stay close.
No matter how busy life gets, carving out space for your relationship is essential. If you're looking for simple ways to strengthen your connection, below are 3 weekly necessities every marriage can benefit from.
1. Go on a Date — Any Time of Day
Let go of the idea that a “real” date has to happen only on weekends or require months of planning. What matters is carving out intentional time for just the two of you to reconnect, laugh, and remember why you like each other.
Some easy options:
- A morning walk with coffee
- A lunch break picnic
- A shared errand run turned playful
- Or yes, a night out at your favorite restaurant, bar, or show if time allows
Whether it’s casual or dressed up, morning or evening, consistency is key. Weekly dates help break up routine and remind you to engage as partners, not just co-managers of life.
Goal: One hour of intentional, device-free time together each week. Make it yours.
2. Check In with Each Other
Life moves fast. And without meaning to, couples can start operating like roommates, managing logistics but missing emotional connection. That’s where weekly check-ins come in.
A check-in is a short, honest, and present conversation where you ask:
- How are you really doing?
- Is there anything weighing on you this week?
- Is there anything you need more or less of from me?
It’s not about solving every issue, it’s about showing up, listening, and tuning into one another regularly.
Try this: Set aside one hour once a week (Sunday or Monday nights work great) to sit down, talk, and check in without distractions.
3. Don’t Forget Self-Care (Yes, It Impacts Your Marriage)
Your relationship is only as strong as the individuals in it. When you’re depleted, disconnected from yourself, or running on empty, it inevitably spills into how you relate to your partner.
Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. It’s what helps you regulate, reset, and return to your relationship with clarity and presence. Whether that’s rest, a solo walk, therapy, creative time, or time with friends, it matters.
When both partners make self-care a priority, the relationship benefits from two people who are more emotionally available and balanced.
Reminder: One act of intentional self-care each week helps you show up in your marriage with more patience, energy, and compassion.
Final Thought
Healthy marriages don’t just “work themselves out.” They’re built with small, consistent efforts, moments of showing up, listening in, and staying connected.
So this week, try asking:
- Have we connected intentionally for one hour?
- Have we emotionally checked in?
- Have I done something to care for myself?
Start there. Keep showing up. Love grows in the small things.