How To Keep Your Long-Term Relationship Fresh

This post is for all my fellow long-term relationship people out there. After you’ve been with someone for a while, you begin to settle into your routine and everyday activities with your significant other. Though there’s comfort and happiness in routine, it’s nice to freshen up your relationship every so often to add a new dynamic. Here are my tips for keeping your long-term relationship fresh and fun.

Create a bucket list. 
It’s important to form goals as a couple. Sit down together and compile a list of things you both want to do, whether it’s paddle-boarding in the Caribbean, donating to your favorite charity or having your first child within the next five years. Plan milestones and activities you’d like to accomplish as a couple and map out when you’d like to reach them. This will keep you both motivated and excited for what’s to come.

Don’t forget to date each other.
Sounds weird, doesn’t it? When you’ve been dating for years, you get use to spending all your time together and it can be difficult to remember to schedule special time that’s different than your everyday routine. Set a date night every few weeks (or whatever works for your schedule, at least once a month is best) to spend time together distraction-free. Put away your phone and simply spend time talking to each other and doing something fun. You won’t realize how beneficial this truly is until you do it! This strengthens your connection and reminds you why you fell in love in the first place.

Surprise them.
Keep ’em guessing. You’ll be amazed how much extra excitement can be brought to your relationship with simple surprises, whether that is cooking his/her favorite dessert, leaving a note in their pocket or getting them a small gift they’d been wanting. Surprises don’t have to be expensive — it’s the thought that counts. 🙂

Experience new things together.
Never forget to continue to create new, fun memories together, especially doing things you’ve never done before. Experiencing new activities will strengthen your bond and bring you closer together, not to mention it will be such a great time for both of you. I suggest scheduling a trip, attending a cooking class or doing an adventurous activity together to cross off your bucket list.

Remind him/her how much you love them.
Though you’ve likely done this a million times already, you can never say it enough. Take the time to stop and let them know how much you appreciate them and how great they make you feel. Tell him/her your favorite things about them and remind them of the important role they play in your life. Take time to truly cherish each other.

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If you’re in a long-term relationship, what do you do to keep your relationship fresh? Do you have a scheduled date night, and if so, how often do you do this? Let’s talk in the comments below!