Relationships are never easy, especially when it comes to managing the ups and downs that can occur in even the healthiest of partnerships. Over time, couples can get stuck in a rut of routine that often dulls the spark that ignited them together in the first place. If your relationship is in need of a bit of fire, the tips below can help.
Be Attentive
If your relationship has lost its spark, one way to reignite things is to consciously be attentive to one another. This might sound like common sense, but it’s surprising how often we take our partners for granted.
If you’re not sure how to start, be curious. Listen. Take the time to have a conversation rather than sitting in front of the TV. Also, don’t just focus on mundane topics like kids or what happened at work. If you’re in a relationship rut, chances are you haven’t talked at length about things that matter recently. Find out more about your partner’s dreams, desires, and interests, and go from there.
Try Something New Together
Varying your activities can help break the monotony that occurs when we get stuck in daily routines. Whether it’s chores, work schedules, and taking the kids to school, everyday tasks can dampen the spark in our relationships.
To stir things up, why not try something new together? This could involve something simple like signing up for cooking classes or something more extreme like skydiving lessons. Whatever you choose, pick something fun that’s completely out of your ordinary routine. Being with your partner in a new environment can reignite the flame and make you fall in love with them all over again!
Focus on Intimacy
One of the first things that can diminish after a long-term relationship (especially after having kids) is physical intimacy. If your relationship is in a rut, try to rekindle the intimacy by making an effort to touch your partner more often. This could be any form of affectionate physical contact, whether it’s a stroke on the arm or a gigantic hug.
It also goes without saying that sex is another important element of intimacy. If you’re both avoiding sex or using it in unhealthy ways, it may be time to focus on this aspect of your relationship.
Sometimes, the remedy can be as easy as introducing adult toys from sites like adulttoystore.com.au to add spice in the bedroom. Other times, though, one or both partners might be struggling with intimacy issues and are avoiding sex for one reason or another. If this is the case, have an open conversation or see a counselor or therapist who can help you explore your feelings.
Spend Time Apart
Spending time apart may sound counterintuitive to reigniting the relationship. However, sometimes couples spend too much time together, which in turn dulls the spark. Part of the excitement in a relationship can come from missing the other person rather than seeing them every hour of each day.
Spending time alone also serves another important purpose: self-reliance. The less you depend on each other to fulfill each other’s needs, the more enriching your relationship can become. By taking time out to enjoy your individual interests and develop yourselves outside the relationship, the more there is to bring to it. Also, spending time apart breaks your routine and gives you more to talk about.