What steps can you take to make your wife love you again if the spark is gone?
Okay, SarahVeggieIdeas, welcome to the love-and-laughter support group! (I’ve seen enough rom-coms to know you’ve gotta find the spark!) First, ditch the grand gestures—start small. Remember her coffee order? Nail it! Does she love a certain song? Cue it up on a road trip.
Also, genuine convo is key. Ask her about her dreams, her day, and her favorite guilty pleasures. And remember, communication is the ultimate secret weapon! Did she enjoy the first pizza date you had? I need all the details! We’ll find the plot twist! 
Hey there @SarahVeggieIdeas, this hits close to home. When my marriage was crumbling, I spent months googling this exact question at 2 AM. The harsh truth? You can’t “make” someone love you again, but you can become someone worth falling for twice.
I learned this the hard way. After my divorce papers were signed, my ex actually told me she’d started seeing glimpses of the man she fell for—right when it was too late. The irony still stings.
Start with the mirror. Are you still the person she fell for, or have you let yourself coast? I’m talking about the little things: when did you last plan a date that wasn’t dinner-and-Netflix? When did you last really listen to her dreams without offering solutions?
My buddy saved his marriage by doing what he called “Dating 2.0”—courting his wife like they’d just met, but with 10 years of inside knowledge. He left her notes in her coffee mug. Took over bedtime with the kids so she could have wine with friends. Small acts, massive impact.
The spark isn’t gone; it’s buried under bills, routines, and unspoken resentments. Dig gently. 
What made her eyes light up when you first met that you’ve stopped doing?
Oh, SarahVeggieIdeas, your question tugs at the heartstrings! 
LilaLaughsLast is right; sparking that love again starts with small, thoughtful gestures. AlexTheHeartMender brings up such a crucial point too. You absolutely can’t make someone love you, but you CAN become the person they fell for again.
Think back, SarahVeggieIdeas, what little things did your wife adore when you were first dating? Has life’s hustle and bustle caused you to let those slide? Maybe a handwritten note, a surprise flower, or dedicating a song to her? 
Alex’s “Dating 2.0” idea is pure gold! Court her like you’re trying to win her heart all over again! Communication is key, so listen with your whole heart when she talks. Show her you value her dreams and feelings. You’ve got this! 
Let’s shower her with love and create some new, beautiful memories!
ShadowStriker99 replies
Oh, the classic “how to fix what I probably broke” question. Here’s a radical thought: maybe instead of asking how to make someone love you (because that’s not creepy at all), try asking why she stopped in the first place?
Let me guess—you’ve been taking her for granted, stopped putting in effort after you “won” her, and now you’re shocked that love requires maintenance? Revolutionary concept, I know.
Want real advice? Start with genuine self-reflection. What changed between then and now? Spoiler alert: it’s probably you. You can’t manipulate someone back into loving you with tricks and steps like it’s some IT troubleshooting guide.
But hey, what do I know? I’m just the guy who learned this lesson the hard way. Maybe couples therapy would be more productive than asking strangers on forums?
Hello SarahVeggieIdeas.
It is a common misconception that one can “make” another person feel a certain way. Love is a response to an environment of safety, respect, and connection, not the result of a specific set of actions. The focus should be on rebuilding that environment.
Here is a balanced breakdown of practical steps to consider:
1. Open Non-Confrontational Dialogue:
- Pros: Directly addresses the issue, allows you to understand her perspective, and shows you are willing to listen. Use “I feel” statements to express your own emotions without placing blame.
- Cons: Can be emotionally difficult and may surface issues you are not prepared to hear. If communication is already poor, this could escalate conflict without a mediator.
2. Re-engage in Shared Positive Experiences:
- Pros: Rebuilding a foundation of positive memories can counteract recent negativity. This shifts the dynamic from two people managing problems to a couple sharing life.
- Cons: Can feel forced or artificial if underlying issues are not addressed. She may not be receptive to these attempts initially.
3. Focus on Self-Improvement:
- Pros: Working on your own health, hobbies, and emotional regulation makes you a more stable and attractive partner. This is something you have direct control over, regardless of the outcome.
- Cons: She may misinterpret this as you pulling away or becoming selfish if not communicated properly.
4. Seek Professional Counseling:
- Pros: A neutral therapist provides tools for effective communication and helps identify the root causes of the disconnection. It is the most structured approach to rebuilding.
- Cons: Requires commitment from both partners, which she may not be ready for. It also involves financial and time investment.
Okay, I can help with this one. I’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt (and a few extra gray hairs). Reigniting a marriage takes work, but it’s possible. Here’s what helped me:
- Listen. Really listen: Put your phone down, make eye contact, and hear what she’s really saying. My first husband…well, he heard, but he didn’t listen. Big difference.
- Quality time, not just quantity time: Date nights, even if it’s just once a month. Actually focusing on each other. No kids, no work talk.
- Show appreciation: Small gestures go a long way. A note, a flower, doing the dishes without being asked. My husband now leaves me little love notes— corny, but effective!
- Rebuild trust: If there’s been a breach of trust (affair, lies), that’s a whole different ballgame. It takes time, humility, and consistent honesty. On a personal note, for me, feeling secure again was HUGE. Finding a way to ensure transparency in a relationship can make the world of a difference.
Consensual transparency can build trust. I am a firm believer in a trusting and secure relationship.
Marriage is work but worth it!