5 Tips to Spice Up Your Relationship
Relationships take work, and sometimes all it takes is a little bit of effort to bring the spark back. We’ve all heard the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt”, but it doesn’t mean relationships have to become dull and mundane. Instead, we’ve got a few simple tips to keep your relationship fresh, exciting, and full of love!
From introducing new activities into your life together, to spicing up your interactions with each other, there are lots of easy ways to spice up your relationship. Here are five tips that will help you keep the spark alive in your relationship and make it even stronger than before.
Whether you’re married or dating, these five simple tips can help take your relationship from ordinary to extraordinary — no matter what stage it's at! Let’s get started!
Put the Phone Away: Quality Time Is Key
In this day and age, it can be difficult to get away from our smartphones and have quality conversations with our partner. Too often do we use our devices to escape from real-life conversations and replace that meaningful time with mindless social media scrolling.
So, one of the biggest steps you can take to spice up your relationship is to slow down, turn off the notifications and fully engage in quality time with your partner. It's all about being present in the moment and putting your phone away.
Why? Because it gives you both the opportunity to reconnect and really focus on each other, pave way for conversation topics that really matter and even discuss issues related to the relationship. When having these important conversations, remind yourself that there is no rush - take as much time as you need without having any distractions around you. Doing so will help you feel more connected than ever before!
Create Sensual Moments
You can start the anticipation long before it’s time to get physical, by creating intimate moments that don’t involve sex.
It’s especially useful if one partner takes a little longer to “warm up” or feels more apprehensive than the other about being intimate. In those moments, taking steps to be non-sexually intimiate first before diving in headfirst again into anything sexual can make all the difference.
There are so many way to create these sensual, low-pressure experiences. Indulge in a shared bubble bath or give one another a massage before getting down to business. We must add that helping your partner get into a latex dress can also be its own kind of sensual moment.
Add New Elements to Your Sex Life
Don't let complacency settle in! Trying something new together can make sex even more exciting and helps to keep the spark alive. If you're not sure where to start, consider experimenting with sex toys. You don't have to take a giant leap and head straight to the largest adult toy, either. Many couples opt for a small dildo or an inflatable or toy meant for couples to use together. You can even experiment with different lubricants or massage oils for a fun twist on foreplay.
For a slightly less intense option, role-play is always an exciting way to add some spice into the bedroom. It allows you to explore each other's fantasies and desires without any pressure. It’s important to start with a judgement-free conversation about fantasies, dislikes, and curiosities. With these ideas in mind, feel free to get creative in how you choose to explore each other's bodies!
Get Creative With Date Night
When date night is always a dinner and a movie, it doesn’t necessarily facilitate connection and it can get pretty stale. You can get creative and come up with something new and different. Don't be afraid to go somewhere new, or do a fun activity like rock climbing or karaoke. Or, if you want to stay in, find a way to make it a romantic occasion with music, and choose an activity that involves communication. Don’t forget to break out the candlelight!
You can also create dates around things you both love. If you both love film, why not seek out an outdoor movie screening? Or if you’re nature lovers, plan a picnic at your favorite park with good food and interesting conversation topics. Making date night special takes a bit of effort — but it's worth it if it’s something that makes the two of you smile when you reminisce about it later.
Finally, consider that if you want to get frisky later, it’s best to avoid eating anything too heavy during your date.
Show Appreciation for One Another
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep the spark alive in a relationship is to make sure that you're showing each other appreciation. Taking each other for granted is a relationship kill, so making the consious effort is so important. After all, knowing that your partner appreciates who you are and all the wonderful things you do is a surefire way to make your relationship thrive.
Here are some tips on how to show your appreciation for one another:
- Find small ways to show you care. This could be something as simple as bringing home their favorite snack or leaving a sweet note on their pillow. Small gestures like these will help them feel loved and appreciated.
- Express gratitude for the things that your partner does for you. Whether it's taking out the trash or washing the dishes, be sure to thank them for it and let them know that their efforts are appreciated.
- Give compliments often. It doesn't matter if it's about their appearance or personality—the point is to let them know that they have qualities that you admire and appreciate. Compliments go a long way in showing someone how much they mean to you!
- Show affection whenever possible. Holding hands, hugging, cuddling—these are simple physical displays of affection that make us feel closer and more connected with our partner.
Showing appreciation for one another will go a long way towards strengthening the bond between you two and keeping the spark alive!
Communicate Your Desires Openly
Communication has always been key in any relationship, but it becomes even more important with time. It's natural for people to change over time—we make different decisions, our tastes and preferences vary, and ultimately what used to turn us on might not necessarily have the same effect anymore.
So make sure that you communicate your desires openly and respectfully—whether it's just talking about what you want to do, or simply being honest about something new that you'd like to try. Doing this can be a great way to add some excitement in your relationship, since both of you will be open about trying new things together!
And don't be afraid to:
- Set aside dedicated times to talk about sex, whether face to face or even over text!
- Don’t skimp on the details when telling your partner your fantasies. The conversation itself can be a surprising turn on.
- When discussing how you feel about each other or where there’s room to improve, make sure to use “I” statements and avoid being accusatory. This will keep the conversation open and tender without anyone getting defensive.
- Be supportive of each other’s interests and fantasies, even if you don’t share them. Showing your partner that you care can go a long way toward keeping the spark alive in your relationship.
Conclusion
To sum up, spicing up a relationship is all about doing things a little differently while working to be more intentional and communicative. Be open to communicate and experiment, and you’ll be surprised by how much stronger it can make your connection.
If you're feeling the need to reignite the spark, it can be as simple as doing one new thing at least once a week (maybe once a month if you’re busy).
You don't have to do anything drastic or fancy to keep your relationship alive, but be sure to pay attention to your partner's needs and find ways to connect on a deeper level. If you two can keep the love alive, you'll find that there's nothing more fulfilling.
