Discovery Fit & Health : Sara Novak

02/12/2013

Though this post is just in time for Valentine’s Day, these ideas are actually about keeping the passion alive 365 days a year. The passion in relationships tends to die out when you get into a routine. The busy-ness of our daily life tends to overshadow the importance of the one we love.

Keeping your relationship full of life is about nurturing love like you would a puppy. The more you disregard your mate and take them for granted, the more difficult it is to revive the passion.

Here are 7 creative ways to keep the passion alive:

1. Plan special nights other than Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is a great time to celebrate the one you love, but it’s by no means the only day of celebration. Choose a random Tuesday night; buy a bottle of Prosecco, rent a black and white romance from the library, and cuddle up with your special someone. Being thoughtful has nothing to do with how much money you spend, it has to do with planning a special night for no good reason at all.

2. Remember why you got together in the first place.

Why did you end up together in the first place? With all the distractions of family and work it can be hard to think back to when you first got started, but having gratitude is one of the best ways to love the one you’re with everyday.

3. Get away just because.

Sometimes a weekend away is a necessity, especially if you can’t seem to avoid the distractions at home. Again, it doesn’t have to be expensive--plan a hiking trip to a nearby campground, hit a bed and breakfast for the night, or explore a nearby city. Cut off ties with the rest of the world and be with each other.

4. Laugh together.

Don’t take yourself so seriously. Remember how fun life can be together. Hit a comedy show or go see a funny movie together. Or maybe, just laugh at each other.

5. Mix things up.

"Doing new things together releases oxytocin in the brain, which is one of the chemicals that makes us feel all atwitter when a relationship is fresh,” Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and author of Emotional Fitness for Couples, said. “Zig where you usually zag once in a while,” he said.

6. Don’t get so offended.

Learn to take each other with a grain of salt. Of course there’s a time when an argument is coming, but when your partner is tired or stressed out after a rough day at work, try and cheer them up and don't be so sensitive to a little grouchiness.

7. Do nothing.

Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with sitting around and doing nothing together. Read a book, cuddle, or go for a walk. Enjoy the moment and enjoy each other. There doesn't have to be any plan involved.

Photo Credits: Thinkstock/Jupiterimages

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