Play, Laugh, Love

Ask anyone in a committed long-term union for the secret of their success. Almost always, one of the top three reasons cited is the ability to laugh together. No matter how big the problems, or how many the obstacles, they will be most effectively approached with a sense of humor and the teamwork that emerges from shared laughter and a mutually positive outlook.

So this week, put the fun back in your relationship with the following suggestions:

Play hooky. Both of you call in sick to work (or take a vacation day to avoid violating your workplace sick day abuse policy) and then go hang out at the mall like truant high school sophomores. Spend some time coming up with totally outrageous excuses that you know you will never be able to deliver with a straight face.

Take a class together. Learn a new language and only communicate in that language over dinner one evening. Take a cooking class. Cook the recipe together and then feed each other. Or take an art class and finger-paint each others' portraits.

Flirt. Pretend you've just met and try out some cheesy pick up lines on your partner for a laugh.

Deliberately establishing "recess" periods gives us a break from the daily grind. Just as children don't learn well if they don't have a chance to go out and play, adults need a recess too.

It not only allows us to return to work re-energized and renewed, but most importantly, the play time with our partner intensifies our relationship and can keep our affection green and growing through the years ahead.