5 fun tips for keeping the spark in a relationship

Relationships, whether in the early ‘butterflies in the stomach’ phase, or twenty years down the line all require some effort to keep things exciting. Perhaps you’re just getting to know someone, and you don’t know if it will lead to your happily ever after, or you’re seeing someone exclusively and wondering how you can keep things ticking along nicely. Or you may be reading this and are just hoping for that someone to develop a spark with. Here are five fun tips on keeping the spark in a relationship.

Switch things up a bit!

A simple way to help with keeping the spark is variety. You can do this by varying what you do on dates or when you meet up. Going to a nice restaurant is great from time to time but unless you have lots of money to spare this may not always be practical or financially viable.

Also, it may not always be the best way to really engage and get to know someone due to the formal setting of some restaurants. So, when planning your dates, why not try something different? You could go to see an exhibition, or go for a hike, or maybe a picnic? The possibilities are endless if you’re open to trying something new.

Try to be fully present when you are together (physically or not)

If, for example, you’re in a long-distance relationship or you’re getting to know someone, but you can’t be with each other physically now, it can be challenging to make the effort each time you’re on the phone or having to do yet another video call. But if you’re keen on keeping the spark in the relationship it’s important that you continue to make that effort to be fully present. Try not to let yourself get bogged down with the usual day to day routines and tiredness that come from adulthood! Make dedicated time for each other; remove distractions e.g., phones or the TV. Give each other that quality time together and try to engage with each other.

Surprise, surprise!

I know some people don’t like surprises, but everyone likes to know that someone (especially a love interest) is thinking about them. So, if you can’t be with your loved one, why not send them a letter in the post to let them know you’re thinking of them? Or send some flowers and chocolate (yum). Or if that’s not their thing, some other gift. Even a text in the middle of their working day can be a nice touch. An unexpected gift (and it doesn’t have to cost much, or even anything at all) is a sure way to keep things exciting in a relationship.