Somebody said the difference between courtship and marriage is like the difference between the pictures in a seed catalogue and what actually comes up! But it doesn’t have to be that way. Author Steve Stephens offers this advice:

• start each day with a kiss
• always wear your wedding ring (it was placed there to cut off your circulation!)
• go on regular “dates’ with your spouse
• accept your differences
• be polite
• be gentle
• give little gifts
• smile often
• touch
• talk about your dreams
• adopt a song as “your song”
• give back rubs
• laugh together
• send cards for no reason
• do what your partner wants before they ask
• learn to listen for what isn’t been said
• encourage one another
• do it his or her way
• compliment one another daily
• call during the day
• hold hands
• cuddle
• ask for your mates opinion
• be respectful
• always welcome your spouse when he or she comes home at the end of the day
• make an effort to look your best
• wink at each other
• celebrate special events
• learn to apologize
• forgive quickly
• set up regular romantic giveaways
• ask “What can I do to make you happier?”
• be positive
• be kind
• be vulnerable
• respond quickly to your spouse’s request
• talk about your love
• reminisce about favorite times together
• treat each other’s friends and relatives with courtesy
• send flowers on Valentine’s Day and anniversaries
• when you’re wrong, admit it
• be sensitive to your spouse’s sexual needs
• watch sunsets together
• say “I love you” often
• never go to sleep angry
• end every day with a hug
• get professional help when you need it
• ABOVE ALL, pray daily for (and with) each other