That sounds a bit threatening huh? I realize that. And believe me, that isn’t my intention. I do, however, want to use this article as a reminder to couples about what’s important in our marriages.  A few of these actions are sometimes easy to forget.

You may be aware that things like trust, communication, and intimacy are each necessary components for a committed relationship. But we sometimes forget to do the little things that make our marriage and spouse feel good.

The reality is that sometimes there is someone waiting in the wings for you to slip up in your marriage because they’re hoping for a chance with your spouse.

It’s imperative that we don’t ever get so comfortable in our relationship that we forget to treat our spouse like a priority. A lot of effort goes into marriage, but there are a few easy things we can do to remind our spouse we are present, we love them, and we’ve got their back – just in case someone else is thinking about swooping in and filling that role.

Do you make your spouse laugh?

I love to laugh, and my husband knows this. He is usually playful and silly, and says things that make me laugh, out loud.

With there being so much devastation, killings, and natural disasters in the world, your partner needs you to help them escape sometimes. Laughter is the best remedy for the mind.

Related: Just in case you’re wondering, for couples, here’s why laughter is the best medicine.

Do you listen to your spouse?

Notice I didn’t ask ‘do you solve your spouse’s problems’. Your spouse may not always be looking for a solution when they come to you with a challenge. There are moments when they will just want you to listen.

So, in order to be an active listener, you have to remove the distractions.That means putting down the cell phone, turning off the TV, and closing that laptop. Believe me your spouse will value your attentiveness.

Do you make your spouse feel desired?

Everyone wants to feel wanted. Flirting with your spouse and reminding him or her of just how sexy you think they are is easy and necessary. A simple “You look good to me” goes a long way.  

Do you support your spouse?

Your spouse should feel unstoppable with you in their corner. Part of our role as a spouse is to lift our partners up with words of empowerment.

We should honestly be their biggest fan and believe in them no matter what. Phrases like “Baby, you got this,” or “Baby, you can do this!” will boost your spouse’s ego in ways you can’t even imagine.

Do you spend time with your spouse?

Again, it’s another simple action we sometimes take for granted. Some couples think that as long as they are under the same roof at the same time, that counts as spending time together. It does not.

Related: Fall in love again on these 5 surprisingly simple and sexy Fall dates.

Dating, communicating and being intentional about being alone together will only make your marriage stronger. Leaving it a lot harder for those outside vultures to break.  

Remember that “waiting in the wings” person I mentioned earlier? Well, they’re watching. All those things you aren’t willing to do, they are ready, willing, and able.

We have to be on our “A” game and remember to make sure these 5 simple actions are happening frequently in our marriage. Not just because someone else is waiting to do it, but because we love our spouse and we desire to make them feel loved, desired and appreciated.

BMWK, are you doing these 5 simple things for your spouse?