When we first start dating someone new, there is a magical feeling in the air, everything is rainbows and butterflies! We just can’t stop thinking about them! But as time goes on, the relationship becomes more serious. Couples settle into the relationship which may progress to the point of living together, marriage, and children and the magic may seem to fade. It is vitally important for the relationship to stay healthy, for each person to do their part in making that happen! So, what can be done to keep a relationship alive?
1. Laugh Together
As a couple, it is important to find ways to laugh together! That may mean watching a comedy show that you both enjoy, engage in a serious wrestling or tickle session, or find a movie that makes you both erupt into fits of giggles. Laughing together can create a sense of togetherness. It has been found that laughter helps couples maintain long, happy relationships.
2. Date Nights
We get so bogged down with the day to day schedules of life, that sometimes we don’t make it a priority to just spend time together! Forget about work, forget about home, find a babysitter if need be, and go out – whether alone as a couple or with another couple you enjoy spending time with! Remember to put your phones down and enjoy each other’s company.
3. Try New Adventures
Are there hobbies that you both want to try? Find an adventure that excites both of you and go for it! Try new things and hopefully you will find something you love to do together! This will help strengthen your bond. Worst case, you may end up with a story to laugh about together later.
Source: Shutterstock4. Express Yourself
How many times have you been upset about something and bottled it up? If something is upsetting you, speak! Tell your partner what your upset about, they can’t work with you to fix the problem if they don’t know about it. Hopefully you can work together to resolve the issue. But if the problem is left unsolved, it will end up creating resentment between each other.
5. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Touch
Touch and I’m not just talking about the naughty type…but hand-holding when out and about & cuddling on the couch can deepen the feeling of connection between individuals.
6. Make Time for Intimacy
When a relationship is new and, in the beginning, “honeymoon” phase, intimacy is not something that needs to be scheduled. As time goes on, couples get settled into their routines, children are added to the family and couples can easily find excuses as to why not to be intimate. Humans crave intimacy to deepen their connections with one another. As a couple, acknowledge the problem and come up with a way to avoid this rut even if it means scheduled “dates”. It also gives couples something to look forward too.
7. Send Text Messages Throughout the Day
Couples can add excitement and longing to see each other by sending messages throughout the day letting each other know they’re thinking about them. Workdays can be busy but even sending a quick text can let someone know that they’re thought of, loved, and make them look forward to seeing their partner that evening.
Source: Shutterstock8. Say I Love You
Always remember to tell your significant other those three little words “I love you”. Let them know you appreciate them and that they are loved. In a busy world, it can be easy to forget but it is so vitally important to remember.
As relationships deepen and the excitement dies down, couples need to be committed to keeping their relationship exciting. Couples can strengthen their bond by finding ways to enjoy each other’s company, laugh together and provide each other with a sense of security. It will take some required action on each person’s part to step out of their comfort zone at first but hopefully will lead to new discoveries along the way!
