If you’re together for five, 25 or 45 years, whether married or in a relationship with each other, it is critical to keep the love fires burning. Do not take your partner for granted, enjoy each other’s company and have fun together, making sure to fall in love with each other over and over again as the years go by.
Here’s what you can do:
Show you are committed to each other and genuinely care about what each other do.
Be open to tough conversations but be respectful to each other.
Be spontaneous. Surprise your partner by taking them to places you have or have not been before.
If your partner needs to improve in some aspect of their life like losing weight and being healthy, do not be critical of them or nag, instead work along with them lovingly by helping to prepare healthier meals and buying healthy snacks, offering to exercise or walk with them, taking small steps at a time.
Self-care is important, grooming yourself and looking your best shows you don’t take your partner for granted by being unconcerned about how you look.
Disconnect from the phone and electronic items and prioritise each other when you spend time together.
Make the occasions that you go out with each other a date, also pencil in date nights.
Leave love notes for each other in different places–on pillows, in lunch bags etc.
Send love notes and memes via WhatsApp or Messenger to each other when you are apart.
Support each other in good and rough times.
Have a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on when your partner feels troubled or overwhelmed.
Find things to laugh about, share jokes, and have fun together.
Forgiving and saying I’m sorry are critical elements in a relationship.
Pray for and with each other as a way to build spiritual intimacy. Or just encourage each other spiritually by being compassionate and offering positive reassurance.
Touch each other, a hug or kiss. Spend time bonding to spark feelings of love and intimacy.
Surprise one another by doing things or giving a gift or items that your partner likes, no matter how small. For eg, if they love mangoes, get them some as soon as you know they are in season.
Try new things or adventures together. Don’t let your relationships grow stale by doing the same things over and over.
Compliment each other; it does not have to be about physical appearance but a particular trait you love about the person, their kindness, thoughtfulness or selflessness.
Express gratitude for the person or the things that they do for you.
Notice each other. When you colour your hair or get a new hairdo or just a clean sharp cut, mention how nice or good the person looks.
Do something together that you both love–a long leisurely walk, maybe going for a couple of beers, playing pool or long drives while playing your favourite songs.
Make time for alone time–appreciate and celebrate your individuality, do things for yourself, make separate social plans etc. Give people space and “me time” to do things important to them to calm their mind and body and create time for self-reflection.
Get up, dress up, and hit the town for a night of dancing.
Take a trip together. It can be as simple as a weekend getaway.
Spice things up by wearing sexy clothing or lingerie. Pull out a bottle of bubbly and order your favourite dish and dessert and enjoy each other’s company.