The longer we’re in a relationship, the more routine it starts to become, and the more we begin to tire and long for that initial butterflies-in-the-tummy, excitement we had at the start. It\u2019s normal for this to happen if both partners slip into sloppy habits, and start to take each other (and their own selves) for granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the good news is, there are plenty of ways to keep the chemistry alive and spice up your relationship\u2014and I’m not just talking about having more sex. (Although, chances are some of these recommendations will lead to that!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re looking for a few ways to spice up your relationship and add a little more excitement to your time together, here are some things to try out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make more effort with the way you look.<\/strong> Try wearing something different this weekend, spritz on some perfume, try a new hairstyle out, or slip into something sexy. You\u2019ll feel more attractive, but how you dress and the time you take on your appearance also shows that you’re putting effort in and trying to impress your partner. Even if you’ve been together for years, this is still a nice thing to do for someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get touchy-feely.<\/strong> Plan regular date nights.<\/strong> Pick one evening each week as your date night, and take turns planning something fun\u2014that involves leaving the house and trying new things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give each other a massage.<\/strong> Set the scene.<\/strong> Turn down the lights, light some candles, buy some flowers, and put some romantic music on in the background. Feed each other your favorite foods. It all helps you spend intimate time together where you reconnect with each other\u2019s bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Retell the story of your first date.<\/strong> Change one thing in your bedroom every month.<\/strong> You can do this in your own bedroom by changing the decor, rearranging the furniture, buying new sheets or pillows, or even adding little touches like a hotel does. Who doesn’t love chocolates on the pillow or a bottle of champagne on ice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Also related, it doesn\u2019t hurt to book yourself into a fancy hotel for a night each month either. Lots of spots have local rates that make it more affordable.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Say thank you every morning.<\/strong> Try telling your partner how much you appreciate them, or thank them for all that they do for you\u2014pick something new each time and voice it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surprise one another.<\/strong> But there are ways to avoid this\u2014keep on surprising each other! Change schedules up, create plans for the two of you, have a spontaneous date\u2014pretend like you\u2019re kids and focus on having some fun with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s one thing you can do today to spice things up in your relationship? Pick your favorite and give it a try.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A few ideas that aren’t just about sex. (But kind of are.) <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":17622,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[891],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-relationship-advice"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nDo you tend to hang out in your sweatpants after work and on the weekends if you know you\u2019re not going out or meeting anyone? It\u2019s totally fine to have down days, but it\u2019s important to strike a healthy balance, because what you wear has a huge impact on how you feel, as well as how your partner will see you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSex is great, but in my humble opinion, all the things that lead up to sex are way better! I\u2019m talking about holding hands, cuddling, and making out. When was the last time you did any of these things, just for the joy of doing them? Even if it\u2019s just walking past your partner on the sofa and grazing their leg with your hand, or giving their neck a little massage, the power of touch should not be underestimated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nMost of us live incredibly busy lives these days, and when you throw kids into the mix, you often end up spending zero quality time together. Takeout and a movie is nice sometimes, but if that\u2019s all you end up doing every night, then something needs to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nYou don\u2019t have to book yourself a visit to a fancy spa to get a relaxing massage\u2014you and your partner can take turns. Buy some nice smelling body oil, switch everything off, and just enjoy the sensation of giving and receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFor women especially, sex starts way before you get to the bedroom. Things like sending thoughtful text messages or leaving notes for someone to find throughout the day are a great way to let them know you\u2019re thinking of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nDo you remember your first date? How did you meet? What did you do? How did you feel? It can be nice to think back to those fond memories and remember what attracted you both to each other, and the excitement you felt back then. Chances are, this excitement will work its way into the rest of your current life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIt\u2019s important to mix things up in all areas of your life\u2014and that includes what your bedroom looks like. Why do you think sex is way hotter when you\u2019re on vacation in a hotel? Because you\u2019re in a new place and you\u2019ve broken up your usual routine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIt\u2019s so important to practice gratitude in your relationship, and for both people to know they’re loved and appreciated. This will make you both feel happier and healthier, and also improve the intimacy and attraction in your relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nWhen you\u2019re first dating someone, part of the excitement comes from the unknown, and the fact that neither of you know what\u2019s going to happen. The longer you get into a relationship, the more predictable and functional it becomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n