In my last blog post of our relationship series (Part 1), I mentioned the different stages of a relationship. The last stage of a relationship, the commitment stage, is something we all strive and hope for, because it represents security and permanency, while reminding us that our partner is here to stay through the ups and downs of life. Yet, there are times we catch ourselves wanting to re-experience the feelings we felt during the falling in love stage with our partner. Not only is that normal to want, but It is also healthy to put forth the effort to maintain that spark and keep the romance alive in your relationship.
Here are a few helpful ways to ignite and maintain that spark between you and your partner:
Plan a romantic date
You may have your favorite restaurant you both enjoy every Friday, but try that new fancy place that just opened up. Sharing a meal together with a romantic ambiance can create the atmosphere you’re looking for.
Explore a new place
Go to a part of town you’ve never been before and explore what it has to offer. Or take a weekend trip to nearby cities. Going to new places together for the first time can create new memories that you’ll have forever. If it’s a place you both have been to before, it’ll give you a chance to reminisce on old times.
Be spontaneous
Life can be very routine with work, bills to pay, and kids to raise. And that’s okay. But that doesn’t mean you can’t change things up every once in a while. Take the trip outside the country you’ve both been talking about for years. Go to that concert together to see the artist you both love. Take a half day off from work and enjoy time together during a weekday.
Relationships go through stages. Some seasons are more difficult, while others are full of joy and celebrations. That’s normal and healthy. Pursue one another. Express your desire to connect. Ignite that spark with your partner.
By Dr. Austin Shugart, LPC
Gottman, J. (2021, February 3). The 3 phases of Love. The Gottman Institute. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-3-phases-of-love/