Decide what this relationship means to you. Do you feel loved even when your partner is unromantic? Does he still do sweet gestures for you? Does he make you a priority? Does he remember special days and occasions? Figure out whether your partner cares about you, but doesn’t know how to show it, or if he simply doesn’t seem invested in the relationship.
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Groom yourself. Sometimes, long-term relationships can lose their initial excitement, but you can revive that fire. According to a study at Emory University, men experience significantly higher levels of brain activity when exposed to sexual visual stimuli, compared to women. Dressing up and looking pretty might help re-ignite a dormant romantic flame in your partner.
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Touch your partner. Even if it’s a kiss on the cheek, physical touch is crucial to a good relationship. Try to begin and end each day by being affectionate with each other — it can be as small as a hug or a kiss. You don’t need passionate nights of foreplay and love making to experience intimacy. Letting your partner know that you care about him is love.
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Make other friends. Even if you are married or in a committed relationship, partners should retain their own independence, which means going out with other friends and participating in activities outside the relationship. Not only is this good for your social life, but your partner doesn’t have to bear the responsibility of fulfilling all of your emotional and psychological needs. Loving someone shouldn’t require a leash.
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Don’t take anything for granted. Sure, your partner may never buy you jewelry, but does he fix your kitchen sink? Does he always let you pick the movie? Does he make you dinner? Romance is different for everyone, and you can’t expect your partner to be able to read your mind and give you exactly what you want. A relationship isn’t only about your needs — it’s about both of you building a life together. Be kind and grateful for the simple things.
