Disclosure: Thanks to Nordstrom and Shopstyle for sponsoring today’s post. All products have been selected, purchased and worn by you!
Shawn and I have been married for over 16 years – yes, as I type that I feel both old and like this that means I was married at 12. While I may just be *a few* more. * the age when we tied the knot, the fact that we got married for one Long time in my short life 36 year plan.
I will always remember when we were engaged and we had a woman tell us it was crazy to think we could get married. [and remain married] at such a young age, while we do not know what we will grow up and develop into adulthood. Although it’s not always easy [I know we all know without going into all of our “not so easy” moments that this truth exists in most relationships] There are a few things that I believe have kept us on track and still really excited about being in a relationship.
Before I begin, one of the big things that kept us together and on the same page was our date nights. Of course, date nights are meant to be an excuse to dress up a bit, and if there’s one place I always go to find outfits for any occasion, it’s Nordstrom. They offer a HUGE selection of high-quality brands that Shawn and I both love and are pleased with and their fast, free shipping is always a hit with us! If you are in need of an outfit for your guy, check out their new products here! Now that you’ve got the outfit, let’s get to the cool stuff…
This has been one of the most helpful tools in our marriage – in fact, at the start of my blogging days, I wrote a blog post just for this topic! Shawn and I have different love languages and before we knew it, it was really frustrating when we felt we didn’t know how to love each other. It turns out that mine is physical touch and affirmations and Shawn is a great quality time guy who shows his love through acts of service. While opening the car door is a great thing for me, it doesn’t make me feel necessarily desirable. But, give me a surprise hug and I’m swooning. By being able to understand and communicate our love language to each other, we can better express each other’s love in ways that will make more of an impact.
ps. If your partner’s love language is a gift, there are tons of great options to choose from here!
Speaking of love languages and knowing Shawn is quality time, date nights have become extremely imperative to our relationship. Now, even though we’ve been kid-free for the past 16 years and spend a lot of time together at home, there’s something very different about getting out of your usual atmosphere and routine and doing something new. something FUN together. Whether it’s something as simple as going to a new restaurant or acting like a kid and going to a video game, dating your spouse is never a bad idea and will help keep you going. maintain the romance.
Floral Balloon Sleeve Blouse [true to size, wearing in small] // Mia high-waisted jeans [size down if in between, wearing in 2] // Shawn’s Corbet Quilted Half-Zip Pullover [true to size, wearing in medium] // Men’s plaid button-down shirt [true to size]
We both had [and still have] a lot has to do with our communication style from what we were taught as children, but fortunately we have found tools that have helped us to improve over the years. Whether it’s a magazine that provides talking reminders [this is a great one] or listen to Podcasts about sex, love and marriage [The Living Easy podcast is one of my favorites for this]or read a book together [The Love Dare is a good one!] There are many resources that can help bring you and your partner together in a more vulnerable way.
Floral Balloon Sleeve Blouse [true to size, wearing in small] // Mia high-waisted jeans [size down if in between, wearing in 2]
Half-Zip Pullover Quilted Corbet [true to size, wearing in medium] // Men’s plaid button-down shirt [true to size] // Mavi Jeans [true to size] // Boots Cole Haan Chukka [true to size]
This is one of the [if not THE most] Useful tool for me in my relationship with Shawn. I started therapy more than a year ago and the path to the root of the unhealed wounds I carry has opened my eyes to how it affects my marriage and other relationships. in my life. There is no greater gift you can give the people in your life than the gift of self-awareness.
Erin: Colorblock Sweater • Vince Camuto [size down one, wearing in XS] // Similar Kut from Kloth Jeans [size down one] // Similar Booties
Shawn: Grindle Plaid Trim Fit Flannel Button-Up Shirt [true to size] // Mavi Jeans [true to size] // Boots Cole Haan Chukka [true to size]
It’s crazy how we can forget this so quickly sometimes. When I first got married, I remember receiving a sign that said “Choose your love, love your choice”. and it has stuck with me ever since. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparisons, judgments, and expectations and want to shine the brightest light you can find on all the flaws and things your spouse doesn’t do right. However, when you step back and remember “we’re on the same team here”, that changes everything. Although relationships are not easy, if you fight for each other, fighting becomes a lot easier.
What tips do you have for keeping the romance alive?! I would love to hear them!
Shop more date nights here ->
LIY founder and creator, Erin has turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career that she now runs with the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or standing in front of a mirror to take a mirror selfie, you can see Erin spending time on the water, cuddling two kids and her husband most likely watching the latest episode of Shark Tank or getting lost in a beach legible sea.
