How to Keep the Love Alive in Your Relationship

Love is exciting, and when a relationship is new, almost everything you do together is fresh and alive, and keeps you enthralled. But then time begins to pass, and while the love is still there, the relationship may have lost some of its sparkle, whether it’s because life is stressful, you now are married and have children or time has simply passed.

Here are some of the top 10 tips for keeping the love alive in your relationship.

1. Communicate.

Communicating lovingly is a great way to spark your relationship. It’s not enough to just love someone. They like to actually hear it. Likewise, when problems come up, talk about them without accusing. Tackle it by taking the viewpoint of problem-solving rather than attacking.

2. Accept your partner’s faults.

Work on forgiveness and acceptance. Nobody is perfect. Then admit your own. Make an effort not to keep repeating them out of laziness or habit.

3. What lit your fire to start with?

Strike the match again, by duplicating that initial moment you fell in love with your partner, and be sure to tell them why you’ve created this just for them.

4. Get out of the rut!-literally.

Do something new together. Doing new things together is proven to enhance relationships.

How to Keep the Love Alive in Your Relationship -5. Get physical.

Touch your partner. In compassion, sympathy, friendship, and sexual attraction. Let them know that you are there. The act of touching increases oxytocin and helps create a stronger bond.

6. Make promises, and keep them.

When you say you’re going to do something, do it.

7. Find something you like about your partner, every day.

Then tell them what it is.

8. Make time just for you and keep up with regular self-care.

And don’t break the date!  Book babysitters ahead or clear your work calendar so that you take time just for you to rejuvenate and replenish.  It might mean getting a pedicure or massage. It might mean simply sitting and mediating or reading your favorite book. It might mean taking a walk or a hike in nature. Getting adequate sleep and nutrition is also key!

Recommended Book: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

9. Find a shared interest.

Explore new hobbies, sports, or other interests that you both like, and can participate in together. It doesn’t have to be anything major. This tip is about finding the connection, even if it’s just reading the same books.

10. Do something unexpected.

Send your partner flowers at work.  Leave your partner a little note here and there to let them know they matter to you. Plan a special night out or a weekend getaway.