You've been dating or courting for quite some time, but now that you'll be sharing everyday life together, you'll have to work extra hard to keep the spark alive. So often, couples fall into a rut, acting more like roommates and less like lovers. Work, errands and bill paying take the place of romantic rendezvous and thoughtful surprises.

You didn't get married just to have someone to get through the daily grind with, but rather to have someone to enjoy your life with. So as you embark on life together, take a moment to reflect on whether you're continuing to date your spouse.

Start by making an effort to go on a date one night each week. If your schedules are busy, it might be easiest to set aside a specific weekday that the two of you can look forward to. Alternate who plans the date night but don't let the plans include any type of chore. That means no grocery shopping, picking up clothes from the dry cleaner or getting the oil changed! These should be handled outside of date night. Instead, make reservations at a restaurant, go out for coffee and a local bookstore to browse, or take a picnic to the beach. Try not to let your date night be one in which you stay in; instead, put on your nicer clothes and a bit of makeup (brides) or cologne (grooms) and go out!

Next, make a list of the things that you have done for your bride- or groom-to-be prior to your engagement. When couples first begin dating, both parties are on their best behavior, spending time and energy on selfless gestures for each other. Did you leave notes or emails, buy him his favorite candies, play songs for her on your guitar, bring him coffee when he worked late, give foot massages or plan regular day trips for the two of you? Use your list to remind you of the many ways that you can continue to show love for your spouse throughout your lives together as husband and wife.

Also, continue with (and start new) traditions as a couple. Life will get crazy and cluttered but traditions should be something that the two of you can count on to bring you back together. Holidays are the easiest time to establish these. For some it's designating one night each Christmas season to driving through a festively lit area together. For others it's volunteering at a food shelter around Thanksgiving each year.

Holidays aren't the only time for traditions. Maybe you designate every other Saturday evening to dinning with in-laws or you go to lunch at a specific restaurant after church on Sundays. Each couple is different and each couple has their own "thing" - what's yours? What would you like to start doing together that you don't do now?

Another way to keep your relationship alive is to celebrate each other throughout the year. Birthdays and anniversaries should continue to be recognized with plenty of merriment. If you're on a budget, something as simple as cooking together can be enough to observe a special day. If money isn't an obstacle, plan a weekend getaway to Myrtle Beach South Carolina, or the Biltmore in Asheville North Carolina. Either way, make sure that significant days do not go unnoticed!

Finally, prioritize and appreciate your spouse. When you were first dating, you couldn't wait to spend time with your special someone. Do whatever you need to keep that alive; your spouse is worth it - that's why you're married!