Keeping the spark alive in a long-term marriage takes effort, playfulness, and sometimes, a surprise that comes decades later. Actor Bhagyashree recently experienced an unexpected romantic gesture from her husband, Himalaya Dasani - 36 years into their marriage. What made it extra special? It was something she had apparently been waiting for since the beginning of their relationship: a heartfelt proposal. Sharing the moment on Instagram, Bhagyashree wrote, "Hubby's Proposal! Secret let out. No matter what everyone felt about Himalayji being a romantic husband.. he wasn't so earlier, and I kept telling him that he never really had proposed to me. So here I was, in the midst of a photoshoot and to my surprise he just interrupted us with this song. (Diljit would have cried to hear this version tho) But yay! Hubby decided to finally go on his knees. Sharing some candid pics that my photographer @prashantsamtani clicked (sic).” So, why do certain gestures like a proposal hold lasting emotional weight, even in long-term marriages? Jai Arora, counselling psychologist and co-founder of Kirana Counselling, tells indianexpress.com, “Symbolic gestures, like a proposal, carry deep emotional meaning because they represent being chosen and celebrated. Even in long-term marriages, where love has endured through many seasons, these moments rekindle early feelings of affection and excitement.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bhagyashree (@bhagyashree.online) He adds that couples who create “shared meaning” and celebrate rituals of connection tend to have more resilient relationships. A proposal, even decades later, becomes a new memory marker, one that says, ‘You still matter this much to me.’ Can fulfilling unmet romantic expectations later in a relationship strengthen the bond between partners? Relationships evolve, but unexpressed or unfulfilled wishes can quietly linger. When one partner takes the time to understand and meet an old longing, it signals emotional attunement. “Gottman emphasises the power of ‘turning towards’ each other’s emotional bids, even if they’re delayed. It shows growth, effort, and responsiveness, key ingredients that deepen intimacy and trust over time,” shares Arora. Keeping romance alive over decades According to Arora, romance doesn’t always need grand gestures, it lives in small, consistent acts of affection and presence. He says, “Couples who maintain curiosity about each other’s inner world and regularly express fondness stay emotionally close. This could mean surprise date nights, handwritten notes, or simply pausing to say, ‘I’m proud of you.’ Prioritising emotional connection, despite busy routines, helps love stay fresh rather than fade into familiarity.”
