National Spouses Day

National Spouses Day History

National Spouses Day seeks to encourage married couples to show appreciation for each other, aimed at strengthening the bond of love and ensuring that spouses feel valued in their partnerships. This day isn't about extravagant gifts or fancy dinners, instead, it is about spending quality time and simply reminding your spouse of how much they mean to you.

Although not much information is available on its origins, National Spouses Day continues to be celebrated by couples across the country. The day aims to remind married couples about the importance of expressing love, showing respect, and offering support to each other. Couples use this day to remind themselves of the happiness and strength that marriage tends to offer and to reignite the spark in their relationship, fostering stronger bonds and healthier partnerships.

This day provides a great opportunity for couples to spend quality time together, free from distractions or the pressures of daily life. Whether it's a simple gesture like making breakfast or a heartfelt love note, celebrating National Spouses Day can make a positive difference in a marriage. National Spouses Day occurs annually on Janurary 26th.

Top 10 Facts for National Spouses Day in 2026

• Research suggests that the third year of marriage is often the happiest for most couples, a benchmark frequently cited during National Spouses Day celebrations as a time to evaluate and rekindle early relationship sparks.
• Unlike the commercial nature of Valentine’s Day, this observance is specifically intended to be a non-gift-giving day that prioritizes quality time and active appreciation over material items.
• Scientific studies highlighted during this period indicate that just twenty minutes of physical touch, such as cuddling or holding hands, can release significant amounts of oxytocin to reduce stress and increase long-term marital satisfaction.
• While the exact origins of the holiday are debated, it is widely believed to have been inspired by the establishment of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, which was first proclaimed by Ronald Reagan in 1984.
• Relationship experts often point to the enduring influence of the book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work as a foundational resource for couples looking to observe the day through improved communication and emotional connection.
• Economic data frequently associated with the holiday reveals that married men often earn between 10 and 40 percent more than their single counterparts, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the marriage premium.
• The observance often spotlights famous historical power couples like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, whose intense and mutually supportive creative partnership serves as a testament to the day’s theme of shared growth.
• Historical records from the National Day Calendar suggest that while the holiday has been observed since the mid-1980s, its global popularity surged significantly after the turn of the millennium.
• Couples often use the day to reflect on landmark legal milestones in the history of the institution, such as the 1967 ruling in Loving v. Virginia which legalized interracial marriage across the United States.
• In some regions, the day is marked by the viewing of romantic art masterpieces like The Kiss by Auguste Rodin or The Lovers by Pablo Picasso to celebrate the enduring nature of companionship.

In the News and Trending for National Spouses Day

Top things to do for National Spouses Day

• Do something special for your spouse. This day is about appreciating them and thanking them for all that they do.
• If you are without a spouse, don't worry. Online dating is at an all time high, so why not join the scene? There are countless websites and apps to help you find that special someone.
• Have a conversation with your spouse. See what can be improved or if they feel something is missing in the relationship. Communication can be great for longevity in a relationship.