Til death us do remember…

Earlier this year, my mister and I were asked to lead a breakout session at a marriage retreat at our church. The topic? Keeping fun and laughter in your marriage. I’ve shared our first two points in my last posts. Here’s the final segment:

Make memories. Now that you’ve followed some of the advice from the Make Time and Make Friends points, revisit those fun experiences. One way we accomplish this is by picking up trinkets—artwork, pottery, seashells and rocks–from our journeys and putting them on the walls in our home. Just a glance at one or two of these things brings a smile.

Another way to keep your memories alive is by talking about them until they become legendary or make you laugh by saying just a few words. You all have some of these. . . like a well-worn punchline to a joke you can’t really remember in whole. Here are a few of ours: “I was just saying to my passengers.” “Blessed.” “Redneckers.”

As you make memories, remember:

• Be respectful. Your marriage is a safe zone. Don’t share a moment that will embarrass your spouse. If they choose to share such a moment, don’t laugh too loudly. This enables you to live out the next two bullets without fear.
• Be yourself. If you’re thinking a funny thought to yourself, say it to your spouse. Sing out loud even if you change keys involuntarily. Dance in your underwear a la Risky Business if that’s your jam and you have hardwood floors.
• Be silly. Make your spouse laugh. My better half does this thing every time we have chips and salsa at our favorite Mexican joint. He picks a chip that looks like a smile, puts it in front of his mouth and raises his eyebrows. Never fails to make me smile. We have an unnamed friend who spontaneously moons his wife. Makes her giggle every time.

These are some great tips to keep fun and laughter in your marriage, but an unmarried friend pointed out that they work for singles also. Make time for yourself, make friends along the way, and make happy memories that last. That’s good advice no matter your marital status to take with you into the roaring twenty-twenties.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!