Rebuilding trust and intimacy after infidelity is a challenging journey, but it’s crucial for couples committed to reconciliation. Trust is a necessary building block for a strong, healthy marriage.
In our book, The Journey to Stay, we explore several practical actions that help to build trust in a marriage divided by infidelity. We also gave a few examples of enjoyable activities that helped us to reconnect, but there are so many ideas we didn’t have room to share in the book.
In this article, we share 12 activities designed to foster connection and strengthen your bond as a union. While it may feel challenging or even awkward to pursue intimacy with your spouse after betrayal, we believe discovering fun and meaningful activities can be a huge catalyst for healing. It was for us!
Pray for God’s guidance, check out the activities listed below, and consider how God might be leading you to take the first step toward rebuilding trust and intimacy in your marriage. Who knows, you might even have some fun along the way.
Star Gazing for Healing
Spend an evening under the stars, contemplating the vastness of God’s love and forgiveness. Incorporate moments of reflection to deepen your spiritual connection. When was the last time you gazed at the night sky together?
Prayer Walk for Forgiveness
Take a scenic walk together, infusing it with prayer and reflections on forgiveness. Pray through spaces affected by the affair, seeking healing through the power of prayer.
Cooking Class for Connection
Attend a cooking class focused on creating a romantic meal together. Foster connection, creativity, and communication while discussing biblical ingredients for a thriving marriage.
Volunteer Together for Bonding
Strengthen your bond by serving at a local charity or church event. Sacrificial giving to others can be a powerful way to work together toward a common goal.
Renewal Ceremony for Commitment
Plan a private symbolic ceremony to renew your commitment to each other and to God. Write vows expressing your dedication to recovery and reconciliation.
Nature Hike for Spiritual Connection
Spend a day in nature, connecting spiritually through the beauty of God’s creation. Scientifically proven to reduce stress, nature offers a serene setting for healing.
Worship Night for Focus
Attend a worship concert or create your own worship experience at home. Shifting the focus to God and His healing power can provide perspective beyond your circumstances.
Getaway for Refreshment
Change your environment with a getaway. Explore new places or cozy up in a relaxing inn for a refreshing break during the healing process.
Outdoor Picnic for Distraction-Free Time
Pack a picnic and spend time outdoors, away from distractions. Try new foods or bring each other’s favorites for a delightful and distraction-free experience.
Thrift Store Gifts for Thoughtfulness
Visit a local thrift store, set a budget, and find unique, thoughtful gifts for each other. Share your choices and explain why you picked them.
Movie Night at Home for Redemption Themes
Choose movies with Christian themes that explore redemption and forgiveness. Create a cozy atmosphere with a blanket fort and popcorn for a memorable night at home. (Forts are not just for kids, you know!)
Memory Lane for Reminiscing
Visit places with positive memories, reminiscing about the good times you shared. Reflect on the journey that brought you together.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, incorporating these types of activities into your recovery process can be immensely helpful. Moving toward each other, reconnecting, and rediscovering the foundation of your marriage is vital for healing. Make intentional efforts to grow closer as you navigate the path of recovery after infidelity.
Reflection Questions
Answer the questions individually. If you are able, share your answers with your spouse.
Which one of these activities piqued your interest? Why?
When thinking of rebuilding trust and intimacy in your marriage, what feelings rise up?
What do you need in order to consider participating in a meaningful activity with your spouse?
Decide together how you might be able to move forward in sharing a meaningful activity together.
