How to Keep the Spark Alive in a Long Term Relationship

One of the common misconceptions about a long-term relationship is that passion is only for the initial stage. Often it becomes nearly impossible for people to keep the spark alive in their long-term relationship. I repeat, it is a misconception. 

The spark! What is that? It is the butterfly in your tummy and your heart skipping a beat every time you see your sweetheart. It is the intense passion you feel for your partner. During the initial phase of a relationship, couples often experience a never-ending emotional high. 

And then suddenly, one fine day, it ends. Or does it? While it is natural for our feelings in a relationship to go through many changes, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has vanished. It evolved! 

When it comes to a long-term relationship, couples get comfortable with each other, and that can bring on the ‘lull period.’ How can you tell if your relationship has lost its spark? 

• Lack of intimacy is a forewarning. It doesn’t necessarily mean sex. The hand holding, a peck on the cheek, cuddling, all these are ways of being intimate.
• You slug! You stop putting in the effort to dress up for your partner. 
• Too busy to bother about going on a romantic dinner or a refreshing hike. You tend to spend less time with your significant other and more time with work and friends. 

But any average Joe can tell you that relationships take effort. You can get back the lost spark with some labor of love. 

Whether you are in a long-term relationship with your beau or newly in love, these methods are guaranteed to amp up your love life. 

Build What You Want

Don’t wait for your partner to take the initiative. Get to work, and be the first to put in the effort to bring back the spark. There was once a time when you’d do anything to see your sweetheart smile. Channel that version of yourself and think about what you should be doing differently to keep the romance alive. 

Communication Is Sexy

With passing time, the heart-to-heart and the romantic chitchat fade away. When was the last time you had a hearty conversation with your significant other? Take the time to talk to your partner. Plan about the future, inquire about their day, and get to know their current preferences and taste. A lot changes with time, and we fail to recognize them. Therein lies the problem. We fall into the old pattern of the relationship, while life passes by us, and the people we once knew like the back of our hands turn into strangers. 

Make constructive communication your top priority.

Arrange Weekly Dates!

It can be a romantic dinner out, a cozy picnic by the river, or a weekend getaway, the idea is to spend quality time with your significant other. Frequently! And planning a date with your partner can be fun. The anticipation and excitement to visit a new place or do something different with your partner help rekindle the fire in a relationship. 

Surprise your S.O 

Planning surprises for your partner can make a huge difference in your relationship. A romantic date they didn’t expect, or a ticket to a concert they wanted to attend are all ways of showing your partner that you care and think of them. Plan to do something that you’ll enjoy together, take a walk at midnight, or arrange for a movie night be their favorite popcorn and drinks. The spontaneity of your plans will help you break out of the rut.

Manage Individual Interests

Couples tend to merge their interests in a long-term relationship. While it sounds romantic, it can be the cause of needless banters. Often one partner will feel that they had to give up their hobbies and other things of interest for the other. 

If you love pizza and your boo prefers burgers, I suggest you go to a restaurant that offers both. If you choose to go to a pizza place, one of you will end up feeling neglected.

Don’t Lose Yourself In Love.

Putting in the effort to save the relationship you built from scratch makes more sense than breaking up!

Note: Image credit to unsplash.com