3 ways to add romance to your relationship

It’s easy to let romance fall by the wayside once you’ve gotten into the day-to-day routine of a long-term relationship. You don’t have to let the romance die, though. Set aside some time each week to dedicate yourself to your partner and keep the fire of intimacy alive.

Break a sweat together

You may not think that working out with your partner could add romance to your relationship, but studies have shown that active, healthy individuals are more likely to be satisfied in their relationships and sex lives. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good endorphins and increases blood flow throughout the body. These two things combined can make you feel positive and happy about your relationship while “priming the pump” for a sexual encounter. If you don’t particularly like the gym, try taking a walk, signing up for a dance class or trying a new sport together. You’ll enjoy spending the time with one another and you can schedule a shower date to clean each other off after your workout is complete.

Schedule a date night

It’s been said a million times before, but the importance of scheduling a regular date night with your partner cannot be underestimated when it comes to adding romance to your relationship. Date nights are the perfect time for busy couples to reconnect without the distraction of kids, technology or work. To increase the romance on your date night, plan activities that will enable you to talk and interact with minimal interruption. Good options include taking a cooking class together, enjoying an outdoor concert or heading to a low-key wine bar. Use these dates as an opportunity to ask questions, flirt and touch one another – you’ll be surprised how quickly the sparks start to fly.

Thoughtful gestures

There’s nothing quite like feeling loved and appreciated to enhance intimacy in a relationship. Luckily, it’s not that hard to make your significant other feel appreciated. Take five to ten minutes each week to determine and execute one or two thoughtful gestures.

Consider the following ideas:

• Write a card or love note

• Pick up a bouquet of flowers

• Make a favorite meal

• Burn a CD or create a playlist filled with favorite songs

• Give a food massage

• Say a sincere, heartfelt “thank you” for specific actions or traits

• Pick up a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass together

• Take the kids for a half hour so your spouse can relax

Article by Laura Williams