Now Reading: Marital Boredom Isn’t Bad: How to Use Routine to Strengthen Your Bond

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A happy couple sitting comfortably on a couch, smiling and engaged in a quiet moment together.
February 17, 2025 / Mondy Dorsainvil

Marital Boredom Isn’t Bad: How to Use Routine to Strengthen Your Bond

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If you find yourself glancing at the clock or your calendar—not because you’re late for something, but because every day seems to blend into the next—you might be in what we call “the rut.” But before you start worrying that your relationship has lost its spark, let me share some insight: marital boredom isn’t the enemy; it could just be the very thing that’s strengthening your bond.


The Truth About Boredom in Marriage

Let’s get real about boredom. It’s like that part of your playlist where the songs are so familiar they blend into the background. But here’s the thing—that background music? It’s the soundtrack to your life together. It plays while you’re doing the dishes, folding laundry, or just sitting on the couch, comfortable in each other’s silence.

Why Routine is Your Relationship’s Bedrock

Studies by Dr. John Gottman highlight that these moments of routine are not just monotony; they’re the foundation of stability. They give you the chance to build rituals—those little things that become part of your love language.

Examples of Relationship Rituals:

  • The way you make coffee every morning ☕
  • Watching one episode of a show together before bed 🎬
  • Weekend walks, grocery shopping together, or even synchronized tooth brushing 🚶‍♂️🦷

These aren’t signs of a dying relationship; they’re where love breathes easy, without the pressure of constant excitement.


Turn Boredom into a Playground for Creativity

Now, here’s where it gets spicy. Boredom can be your playground for creativity. You’ve got this canvas of everyday life—why not paint it with new colors?

Ways to Inject Playfulness Into Routine:

🎶 Turn dinner prep into a dance party
🏆 Make laundry day a speed-folding competition
📚 Read the same book and discuss it together

Dr. Esther Perel talks about how shared activities—even routine ones—can reignite passion when approached with playfulness. Use your routine to set up small, achievable goals together. Maybe it’s learning a new language, or both of you decide to take on a DIY project.

This isn’t just about keeping boredom at bay; it’s about growing together, not apart in your own interests.


Surprise and Spontaneity: The Key to Everyday Romance

Boredom gives you the perfect backdrop for surprises, too. Small, unexpected gestures go a long way.

💌 Leave love notes in unexpected places
🍽️ Plan a spontaneous date night in the middle of the week
🎁 Gift something thoughtful without an occasion

The Gottman Institute suggests that these small gestures significantly impact the emotional climate of a relationship, fostering a sense of appreciation and connection.


The Beauty of Embracing the Quiet

In a world where we’re all chasing the next thrill, the next Instagrammable moment, there’s something profoundly beautiful about finding contentment in the quiet.

Why Boredom Can Be a Sign of Deep Love:

💑 It means you’re at peace with one another
🛋️ You don’t have to entertain each other 24/7
🤝 Your presence alone is enough

Dr. Harville Hendrix advocates for seeing these moments as opportunities to deepen your bond through mutual presence rather than constant activity.


The Bottom Line: Make Boredom Work for You

So, next time you feel that twinge of boredom creeping in, don’t panic. Embrace it.

Boredom in marriage isn’t a red flag—it’s an invitation to build something deeper.

Use it to:
✔️ Strengthen your bond
✔️ Create meaningful rituals
✔️ Find joy in simplicity

Because sometimes, the most profound love stories aren’t written in grand gestures, but in the quiet, everyday moments.

Remember, whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet town, these principles hold true. If you want to share more about where you’re at or what your routines look like, I’m all ears. Let’s turn that “boredom” into an adventure in love.

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Mondy Dorsainvil

I'm a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 12 years of experience in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of their lives. Specializing in communication, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, and parenting challenges, I offer evidence-based and culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions tailored to each client’s unique needs. My approach is systemic and strengths-based, focusing on leveraging inherent strengths to achieve personal and relational goals. Committed to professional development, I stay abreast of the latest research and practices in Marriage and Family Therapy, including LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy. Join me here as we explore insightful strategies for positive change and personal growth.

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    Marital Boredom Isn’t Bad: How to Use Routine to Strengthen Your Bond