Dear Maggie,

Do you have advice on how to bring the spark back to a 16-year marriage? I miss the days when just my husband walking into the room would make my heart flutter and I’m sure the same is true with him. We still love each other very much, so that’s not a problem. I feel like we are in a rut. He comes home from work, we eat supper, he reads the paper and I do dishes. Then we both watch TV in different rooms because of different viewing pleasures. It’s the same every night. Can you give me some ideas on how to bring a spark back? Thanks.

Signed,

Spark-Seeker

Dear Seeker,

I think I can help, and I think if you re-read your note to me, very slowly, you probably would see the answers as clearly as I think I am. I have to begin with the obligatory disclaimer that I’m no longer married myself, so everything I say about marriage needs to be taken with a grain of salt. However, when both people want to make it work, it seems to me, you’re in very good shape. And I have no doubt you’ve read previous columns when I’ve suggested various ideas to try in similar situations – and they all still apply. But for you, I’m going to toss out a brand new notion.