{"id":101353,"date":"2024-05-29T11:28:54","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T11:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=101353"},"modified":"2025-07-08T16:53:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T16:53:49","slug":"marriage-feels-like-friendship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/marriage-fitness\/marriage-feels-like-friendship\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Things to Do When Your Marriage Feels More Like a Friendship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Marriage can be about various practical considerations, but it is often assumed to be about love, passion, and deep connection. If your marriage feels more like a friendship, it might be missing some of that special spark. This feeling is common and doesn’t mean your <\/span>relationship is over<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, it shows that it’s time to make some changes and bring back the excitement that first brought you together. It’s easy to fall into a routine that makes your marriage feel dull.<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news? You can bring back the passion and turn a friendly partnership into a loving marriage again. Ready to make a change? Keep reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>13 things you can do when your marriage feels more like a friendship<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

When your marriage feels more like a friendship, it’s time to bring back the romantic spark. While a strong friendship is important in any marriage, it’s essential to maintain the passion and intimacy that make your relationship special. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 13 things you can do to revive that connection and keep your marriage feeling vibrant and loving.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Schedule regular date nights<\/b><\/h3>\n

Setting aside time for regular date nights can help when your marriage feels more like a friendship. <\/span>Plan something special, even if it’s just once a week<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it’s dinner at a favorite restaurant or a movie night at home, date nights remind you of your relationship’s romantic aspect. It’s about prioritizing each other and having fun together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sex Therapist Danica Mitchell<\/a> states,<\/p>\n

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New memories don’t make themselves, you have to make room for them.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Research<\/span><\/a> with 196 individuals and 83 couples found that shared activities sustain relationships beyond threat-based strategies. Satisfying, stress-free activities that increase closeness predicted higher relationship quality. Positive outcomes depended on the dedication of partners, showing that shared activities sustain relationships when both partners are responsive and engaged.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>17 Clear Signs a Relationship Feels Like Friendship Right Now<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

2. Communicate openly and honestly<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the reasons your marriage feels more like a friendship might be due to a lack of open communication. Talk to each other about your feelings, hopes, and fears. <\/span><\/p>\n

Honest conversations can deepen your connection and help you understand each other better<\/b>. Don’t shy away from difficult topics; addressing them can bring you closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Revisit shared goals and dreams<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Reflect on the dreams and goals you had when you first got married. Sometimes, life’s demands can make us forget what we once wanted as a couple.<\/span><\/p>\n

Revisit these goals and see if they still align with your current life<\/b>. Working together toward shared dreams can reignite your bond and make your marriage feel more purposeful.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Try new activities together<\/b><\/h3>\n

When a marriage feels like a friendship, introducing new activities can inject excitement. Try something neither of you has done before, like cooking a new dish, taking a dance class, or traveling to a new place. <\/span><\/p>\n

New experiences can create lasting memories and help you see each other in a new light<\/b>, reigniting your connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Focus on physical affection<\/b><\/h3>\n

Physical touch is a key element of a romantic relationship. If your marriage feels more like a friendship, increase your physical affection. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hold hands, hug, kiss, and cuddle more often. <\/span>These small acts of love can help rebuild intimacy and remind you of your relationship’s romantic aspect<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies<\/span><\/a> show that emotional intimacy makes a major contribution to relationship quality. It helps to buffer the daily stress of partners and thus enhances their well-being and adjustment, as well as satisfaction with their sexual relationship.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED READING : <\/span>15 Things to Do When Something Feels off in a Relationship<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

6. Surprise each other<\/b><\/h3>\n

Surprises can add a sense of excitement and spontaneity to your marriage. <\/span>Plan little surprises for your partner, like leaving a sweet note, cooking their favorite meal, or planning a spontaneous outing<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n

These gestures show your love and appreciation, helping to keep the romance alive when your marriage feels like friendship.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Spend quality time apart<\/b><\/h3>\n

Spending some time apart can actually strengthen your marriage. <\/span>It allows you both to miss each other and appreciate the time you spend together<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pursue individual hobbies, see friends, or take solo trips. This can bring fresh energy into your relationship and help you grow individually, benefiting your marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Danica Mitchell<\/a> further adds,<\/p>\n

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Sometimes space reminds us of what matters, and who we want to come home to.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

8. Reflect on the early days of your relationship<\/b><\/h3>\n

Think back to when you first fell in love. What did you do back then that made your relationship special? <\/span>Try to bring some of those activities or attitudes back into your current relationship<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Reminiscing about the early days can remind you why you fell in love and help revive those feelings if your marriage feels more like a friendship.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Be supportive and encouraging<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Attractive<\/p>\n

Being married and in love with your best friend means being there for each other through thick and thin. <\/span>Show support and encouragement in your partner’s endeavors<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Celebrate their successes and be a shoulder to lean on during tough times. This <\/span>mutual support<\/span><\/a> can strengthen your emotional bond and keep your relationship strong.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Work on personal growth<\/b><\/h3>\n

Personal growth can positively impact your marriage.<\/span> If your marriage feels more like a friendship, focusing on becoming the best version of yourself can reignite your relationship<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Take up a new hobby, pursue a passion, or work on personal development. When both partners are growing, it brings new energy and excitement into the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Plan a getaway<\/b><\/h3>\n

Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need to refresh your relationship. Plan a getaway, even if it’s just for a weekend. <\/span>Being in a new environment can help you relax and reconnect<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n

It’s a chance to focus solely on each other, away from the distractions of daily life, and rekindle the romance when your marriage feels more like a friendship.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Practice gratitude<\/b><\/h3>\n

Expressing gratitude for your partner can improve your relationship. Take time to acknowledge and appreciate the little things they do. <\/span><\/p>\n

Say thank you more often and let them know you value their efforts<\/b>. This positive reinforcement can create a loving atmosphere and help shift your marriage from feeling like a friendship to a more romantic relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch this video where Thais Gibson, a best-selling author and counselor, talks about how to show your partner more appreciation:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n