It’s a tale as old as time: in the beginning of a relationship, things are exciting. Hot and heavy. Spicy. Falling in love is thrilling! But any couple that’s been together for a significant amount of time will tell you that all of that giddiness tends to fade and in its place comes a sort of comfortable complacency. While steady, healthy relationships are obviously the goal, how can you ensure that the butterflies you felt in the beginning don’t, well, die? Here are 4 great ways to avoid complacency in any relationship.
Make Time for Each Other
It’s easy to get swept up in the rush of everyday life, and when you add kids to the mix, things can get downright chaotic. Morning routines, workdays, after-school activities, and bedtime routines can have even the closest couples collapsing in an exhausted heap at the end of the day. Before you and your partner become little more than ships passing in the night, make sure to make time for each other. Schedule date nights, create small routines together, and always remember to kiss for six seconds each day.
Take Time to Appreciate Your Partner
Once you’ve been with someone for a while, it’s easy to slip into the habit of forgetting to tell them just how much you love and appreciate them. Take the time to let your partner know exactly why you appreciate them. Leave them little notes in unexpected places, buy them small gifts, write them a song — get creative with your love and devotion! (We bet if you do, there will be more of those six second kisses in store for you!)
Be Adventurous
Think back on the early days of your relationship — there’s nothing like a fresh, exciting, new love. It’s intoxicating. While that wild, crazy flame is bound to burn down a little bit, you don’t have to let it burn out completely. There are so many ways to keep things interesting in a relationship! We recommend being spontaneous whenever possible and trying new things together. This can be anything from a chill cooking class to a full-blown skydiving adventure. The important part is doing it together. Adding variety and spice to your marriage (both in the bedroom and outside of it) will help you keep that flame burning for the long haul.
Never Stop Laughing
We think that one of the greatest pleasures in life is laughing — really laughing — with someone close to you. We’re talking tears-in-the-eyes, belly-grabbing, gasping-for-air type laughter. Not only is laughing fun, it has serious health benefits! Laughing can help relieve stress, soothe tension, and it can even lead to long-term health benefits like boosting your immune system and relieving pain. Whether your idea of humor is watching a funny movie or making ridiculous TikToks together, grab your sweetheart and laugh it up — it will keep things interesting, strengthen your bond, and help create memories that last a lifetime.
