One of my favorite movies of all time is ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’. The 1954 movie is old school but classic and the best one to watch in my opinion. A highlight of the musical is the song Goin’ Courtin’ when Millie teaches the Pontipee brothers how to pursue a girl they are interested in. The advice given is basically to “play the game” but the whole premise of the song is what I love. The concept of pursuing, dating, or “courtin’” your partner is something I can totally get on board with.

Whether you’ve been together for a couple of days, or multiple months, a year or two, or more than half of your lifetime, you should be in pursuit of your partner. Does your partner know how much you appreciate them being in your life and that you are smitten with them? There should be no question in your loved one’s mind about how much you enjoy their company. If you’re not sure how to communicate this with your words and actions, consider this my Goin’ Courtin’ song to all of you!

How to Continue Dating Your Partner Through Life

Flirt often

I can’t explain how or why flirting is so different than regular conversation, but it most definitely is! It’s the teasing, the excitement, and the chemistry that keeps your relationship feeling fun and special. The sparkle in your eye, the tone of your voice, and the words you use create a spark between you and your partner and make your relationship exciting. This is the first and simplest thing you can do to continue “courting” your partner throughout your relationship.

Regular physical touch

When I say physical touch, I’m not talking about a handshake or a brief hug. The physical touch between the two of you should be meaningful. This looks like hugs that are long and deep or kisses that are more than just a peck. You can hold your significant others’ hand while you talk, or put your hand on the small of their back when you come up to talk to them from behind. Romantic physical touch, not just in the bedroom, keeps you in pursuit of your partner.

Freely give compliments

Don’t hold back when you have a kind or loving or exciting thought about your partner. When you find yourself giddy to see them, tell them that! If something they have done makes your day brighter, let them know. They might catch you staring at them, don’t make it weir, tell them what you’re thinking, like that you can’t believe they are yours or that you can’t help but enjoy the way they look. Your love shouldn’t wonder if you see them or if you still feel the same way about them as you did when you first met and were falling for each other.

Be intentional

Too often we settle into routines in our lives that put us into auto-pilot mode. Do you find yourself on auto-pilot when it comes to romance with your spouse? Pursuing your spouse requires intentional effort each day, in little ways.

Schedule date night

Of course, I’m going to tell you to go out on a date together to continue the dating in your relationship. Find those things that you enjoy doing together, that let you have fun and get to know each other better. Ask your partner to go out on a date with you. Tell them you want to do such and such together and ask when would be a good time for them. Plan fun things to do together regularly, you won’t regret that time you spend building your relationship!

When you were in the early stages of dating in your relationship, it was fun to flirt and you looked for any opportunity to be together. The longer you are in a relationship, the more comfortable you become, and with that comfort things can become routine or taken for granted. Make an effort every day to pursue your partner and bring the excitement and fun back to your marriage.