{Be A Better Spouse Challenge} Tip #18: Massage Their Cares Away

Tension is bad. Really, really bad. When we’re tense, we’re not as easygoing, not as carefree, not as willing to laugh at a corny joke, or give our spouse the benefit of the doubt.

While any number of things can cause the tension, there’s one surefire way to help relieve it: busting out the lotions and body oils and getting a serious head-to-toe rubdown. If done properly, the recipient will be thankful that you took the time to help them relieve the pent-up stress they’ve been caring around in their back, shoulder, legs, and feet.

Some suggestions:

• Make a Pandora radio station of their favorite artist. Have it playing in the background while you give the massage.
• Aim for at least 25 minutes. This seems like a very long time, but that’s precisely the point. Spend him touching your spouse in a way that’s merely relaxing, not necessarily leading to sex.
• Watch a couple YouTube videos to get some tips on massage techniques for particular areas of the body – shoulders, head, feet, arms, legs.

BMWK, do you frequently give your spouse massages? Any tips or tricks you’d like to share?

About the author

Tara Pringle Jefferson is managing editor of BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com. She’s also the author of Make It Happen: The Young Mommy Guide To Creating The Career You Crave. Follow her on Twitter or check out her blog for her insights on what it means to be a mom, wife, student, writer, and about three other labels she’s too tired to remember.

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