Long-term romantic relationships can be the most challenging part of your life and also the most fulfilling. After years spent with the same partner, it’s easy to fall into a routine where you take the other person for granted. Whether it’s an external situation that’s causing you stress or you just feel at a loss about how to spark that old romantic flame, it’s important to demonstrate that your relationship is a priority. Here are six ways to show up for your romantic partner and keep the passion and love alive for years to come.
1. Book a Trip
From attending kids’ sports games to booking a dog-sitter, it can be challenging to plan a getaway amidst all of life’s events. Committing to traveling together, whether a weekend away or a longer trip, is a great way to show that you want to spend dedicated one-on-one time with your partner. Enjoying a two-day road trip down the coast or checking out cruises from Seattle that include the epic landscapes of Alaska are great ways to experience beauty and fun as a couple.
2. Experience a New Activity
Nothing gets the heart beating like the energy boost of taking part in a new activity. If you and your partner are thrill seekers, you could finally book that skydiving experience that’s been on your bucket list for years. But experiencing new things together doesn’t have to be scary, either. You can bond with your partner and make new, lasting memories by doing something as simple as taking a cooking class or a dance class together. The most important thing is to be open-minded and show your partner that you value learning and growing together.
3. Control Your Screen Time
Like many others, you may find yourself coping with stress by getting on your phone and scrolling endlessly through social media apps. While it may feel like important ‘me’ time, spending too much time staring at your phone can be a turn-off for your partner. The simple act of turning off your phone and having a real conversation over dinner or morning coffee can make a world of difference in your relationship. By controlling your screen time, you can show your partner that you recognize the importance of the brief moments you have together.
4. Speak Their Love Language
The concept of love languages is not complicated, and it can be incredibly helpful to resolve feelings of distance between partners. Dr. Gary Chapman coined the idea of love languages in 1992, and since then, it has helped many couples reconnect. Dr. Chapman suggests that people experience love in five ways:
- Expressing love through words
- Spending quality time together
- Being physically affectionate
- Doing things that benefit the other person
- Exchanging gifts with each other
You or your partner might feel disconnected or frustrated if you aren’t speaking each other’s love languages. For example, if you feel the most in love when you cuddle and watch a movie together but your partner feels in love when you give them a gift, then there might be tension. By learning and communicating in your partner’s love language, you can demonstrate that you understand them on a deeper level.
5. Be Present and Communicate
When life gets really busy, you may find that you and your partner have little time together. At those moments, the most important way you can show up for your partner is by being present and speaking honestly about your struggles and stress. If your partner recently got a promotion or won a contract at work, celebrate with them, even if you’re not in a good mood. Similarly, let your partner boost you up when you’re feeling down. These moments of genuine connection will help lay the foundation for a long and happy relationship.
If you’re lucky enough to find love, these simple methods for connection can help you maintain a healthy relationship throughout your life.
