My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary. We decided we didn't want to exchange anniversary gifts this year. Instead we wanted to go away for the weekend and try something new. We enjoy visiting Bed and Breakfasts in our state so we picked one with a unique offering: a cheese making class. The Bed and Breakfast was memorable as the owner has goats and chickens and offers a class in making cheese from her freshly milked goats. The class is unique and was of interest to us. We thoroughly enjoyed the class, the inn and the other guests. We also had time to explore a city we had only visited once before and see some more of beautiful Colorado.
Why a shared experience?
The newness and passion of the first few years of love don't last forever. An intimate and lasting relationship is built on shared experiences, common ground and "love" triggers. You have already created some of these with your partner. Think of the first moment you met them, or your first kiss, or the first time he/she said I love you. I bet you can recall the moment vividly and most likely it brought a smile to your face and love for your mate to your heart.
This moment is a love "trigger" for you but also contains a shared experience with your partner. Have you ever discussed these moments with your mate? What did they think when you first met, etc. If you haven't discussed it I suggest you bring it up during your next anniversary or "date night". Recalling these moments strengthens your bond and allows you to feel again that glow you had in those early days of attraction.
Use your anniversary to deliberately create more shared experiences. Don't wait for them to happen by chance, strengthening your love and bond is worth the extra effort. This is what my husband and I did, we tried out something really new and different that we were interested in. That weekend has created a strong memory where we learned together and tried something new.
Sometimes couples have so little time alone together they don't even know what to talk about and end up talking about their kids during their anniversary dinner. Use your anniversary time to reminisce about previous shared experiences. This can make for fun, loving conversation that will remind you why you love each other.
Recall your anniversary experience throughout the year and have fun planning what you will do the next year.
How to figure out what experience might be right for your anniversary gift
- How did you meet your mate? Maybe there is an activity that would recall your first meeting. For example if you met at a bowling alley for one anniversary plan to go bowling at the same or similar place.
- Visit the location of your wedding or honeymoon and recall that wonderful time and the love that brought you together.
- Is there a hobby or new activity that you've always wanted to try? (e.g. Dancing, Fly-fishing, Pottery making, Backpacking)
- Is there a special place you want to travel to as a couple?
- If you can't think of an activity or hobby that both partners would enjoy considering choosing 2 activities to celebrate your anniversary. Each partner gets to pick an activity.
What type of experience would your spouse enjoy on for your next anniversary? Share your experiences in the comments below or on Facebook.
Lori Thayer is passionate about finding ways to have the best life, from healthy eating, healthy living, saving money and enjoying life. She is excited to share these tips with others. Improve your health with her FREE article "5 Easy Habits To Improve Your Health". Sign up now in the upper right corner of this page.
