Guide to building relationship rituals

Big milestones in a relationship make for great memories and fat photo albums, but they don't necessarily turn couples into happier couples.

Turns out, little rituals that are repeated over and over trump a perfect wedding or a long-awaited cruise in creating "togetherness." Couple scholars and therapists Brent Bradley and James Furrow say in their book, "Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy for Dummies" (Wiley, $22.99), that it's crucial to weave little traditions such as secret handshakes, notes in suitcases or weekly golf lessons into your daily lives.

Here are some of their tips:

Greeting rituals can be an important and brief way of communicating love and dedication to your partner. "These repeated gestures of importance can be as simple as a hug, kiss or special word or phrase used when saying hello or goodbye," Bradley said. One couple mentioned in the book have a "secret handshake."

If you've fallen into a routine that revolves around work and family, take time to schedule a regular night out — just the two of you. "The key is to be consistent and intentional," Furrow said. Making an appointment for your relationship means you prioritize it.

Couples with small children often struggle to get away for a date night. In this case, set aside 15 minutes to talk on a regular basis. Find a consistent time that you can both count on and set boundaries such as: no interruptions, no electronic devices and no discussions of work or children. For some couples, just 10 minutes in the same place without stress reminds them of the good things going on in their lives.

Write a note or send a card to convey to your partner that he or she is on your mind. Whether it's a text message, e-mail or handwritten note, written expressions of affection show your partner that they are important to you. "When you tuck a note into your partner's suitcase before they head out on a business trip, it can be a welcome surprise for your partner. These notes don't have to be long — they just have to be personal," Furrow said.

"Reading a book on relationships can spark new ideas for growth and improvement," Furrow said. "Or you might attend workshops and retreats for couples." Other couples find less formal opportunities to focus on their relationship. A couple mentioned in the book made a commitment to spend one weekend a year discussing their relationship. "On one of the nights, each person has time to talk about his or her joys, concerns and needs."

Plan and remember special days like anniversaries and birthdays. This marks the importance of people and relationships over the time you've known them. Even if you grew up in a family that didn't harp on these occasions, don't assume the same is true of your partner. "A missed birthday or anniversary can be seen as a lack of care or concern," Bradley said.

Familiarity and boredom kill intimacy, so find a ritual that the two of you can find engaging. For example, physical activity is healthy and energizing. Hiking, dancing or sharing a sport combines leisure and companionship. "Other couples organize around common artistic interests such as concerts, culinary arts or literature. Others involve being fans of a sports team," Furrow said. "Couples who are able to find a shared interest that they can invest in find new ways of investing in the bonds they share."

Taking time to help others offers couples a chance to invest in their relationship. Working toward a common goal helps a couple find a deeper sense of unity by transcending their personal interests. When you and your partner decide to dedicate time or resources to others, you make a joint expression of your values.