Published on 12 August, 2025
When she’s not hiding out at a café or having funny little conversations with her three children, June can be found editing articles or dreaming up podcast episodes for Focus on the Family Singapore.
Marriage is a journey filled with highs and lows, responsibilities and routines. Amidst the demands of work, parenting, and daily life, couples can easily slip into a rhythm of functionality—where conversations revolve around logistics and connection takes a backseat.
But what if having fun together was one of the simplest ways to nurture intimacy and joy in marriage?
Fun isn’t just for weekends or vacations—it’s a vital ingredient in a thriving relationship. Engaging in playful activities, shared hobbies, or spontaneous adventures helps couples reconnect emotionally. Strong marriages are built on intentional connection, and fun is one of the most natural ways to foster that.
When couples make time to enjoy each other’s company outside of family responsibilities, they rediscover the friendship at the heart of their relationship. Whether it’s whipping up a new dish in the kitchen, playing board games, or going on a spontaneous date, these moments of light-heartedness remind couples why they fell in love in the first place.
Playfulness in marriage isn’t about being childish—it’s about being emotionally open and safe enough to let your guard down. This sense of playfulness creates a home environment where joy can be felt and stress becomes less overwhelming.
Couples like Edmund and Isabel, in their mid-30s, emphasise the importance of taking time off their usual routines to check out a new café or to visit an interesting exhibition. Despite their busy schedules and parenting responsibilities, they try to visit a new place once every two months, to ensure they take time to discover each other afresh.
This routine allows them to approach challenges with unity and creativity. Fun becomes a way to reinforce their marital bond, especially during seasons of stress or conflict.
Life can be overwhelming, and marriage often bears the brunt of that pressure. But did you know that fun is a natural stress reliever? Engaging in enjoyable activities, be it exercise or reading a book together at a café, releases endorphins, lowers cortisol levels, and fosters emotional resilience. It’s not just about escaping problems—it’s about building the strength to face them together.
I recall when my three kids were all under the age of seven, things at home sometimes got so chaotic and overwhelming that losing my cool was almost a daily affair. Thankfully, with my mother around to help on some evenings, my husband and I would just head out after dinner to take a walk around the neighbourhood. Walking and talking may seem such a simple act, but I daresay it strengthened my sense of wellbeing and also kept our connection strong as a couple.
Even when parenting and work demands threaten to tear you apart, making time to enjoy each other, and to enjoy life together can help keep your marriage (and sanity) in check.
The benefits of fun in marriage extend beyond the couple—it shapes the entire family culture. Children thrive in homes where joy is present and parents model emotional connection.
When parents laugh, play, and enjoy each other’s company, they create a sense of security and warmth.
This atmosphere teaches children that relationships are not just about duty, but also delight. It also equips them with emotional tools to build healthy relationships of their own.
Sometimes, tension builds in marriage and communication stalls. In such moments, fun can be a gentle way to break the ice.
I recall when I was upset over something my husband said. I gave him the cold shoulder all the way from the gathering till we reached home. When I was fuming in the bedroom, he sent one child in to say “Papa says he’s sorry, please forgive him.” I could not remain angry after receiving the new from the little messenger!
Fun doesn’t replace serious conversations—it makes them more accessible. It reminds us couples that we are not fighting each other, but together, we can fight life’s challenges in a much better way.
Practical ways to have fun in your marriage
If fun feels elusive, here are a few simple ways to bring it back:
Fun is the secret ingredient that helps keep love alive, builds emotional intimacy, and creates a home filled with warmth and joy. No marriage is perfect—but with the right mindset and habits, and a regular dose of fun, every couple can thrive.
When she’s not hiding out at a café or having funny little conversations with her three children, June can be found editing articles or dreaming up podcast episodes for Focus on the Family Singapore.
