Speak Their Love Language

This is a significant move, but it is seldom carried out. Dr. Gary Chapman’s book “Five Love Languages” should really involve reading for those interested in a romantic relationship. The book explains the different love languages that we all “speak.” 

Learning your partner’s love language is important to a relationship. While you can love someone with every fiber in your body unless you express that love in a way that they can understand, they will never truly feel loved (and desired).

Do New Things Together

This is one area in which biological research is very straightforward. Doing new things together as a couple can raise the cheapest amount of dopamine in the brain. Romantic bond is primarily related to dopamine. A chemical believed to influence emotions.

Be Consistent

“Don’t start somewhere you’re not willing to sustain” is another piece of brilliant pre-marital advice that I frequently hear. Committed relationships need something that I like to call “sticktoitiveness.” When you think back to the beginning of the relationship, there were dates, roses, appreciations, compliments, nice gestures, and messages. You’ve probably touched a lot more, too. Go back in there. 

I’m talking about all sorts of touching – hand-holding, kissing, caressing, and cuddling, as well as more personal contact and, of course, sex. Bring back those early days of relationship by making time for romantic gestures every day. And if you find that you don’t know what to do, don’t be afraid to ask your partner what they need and want.

Surprise Them

Don’t you love the look on a loved one’s face when you’ve delivered something surprising and kind to them? There is always more fun for you than for the person on the receiving end.

Don’t Forget Date Night.

You may have found that your schedules are so hectic these days that it’s not even time to have breakfast together. Just when you make time for crucial work meetings, do it at home. Now that my wife and I have a young boy, it’s hard to get a night out of town, but we haven’t let that ruin our date night. Instead, our usual date night is Red Stripe and Boggle’s mean game – our favorite game. Create your own date night.

Learn New Moves

Magnetic resonance imaging scans at Oxford University have shown that learning new motor skills — whether it’s hitting new piano keys or playing a new erotic harmonic in bed — is beginning a whirlwind of brain activity that drives pleasure.

Make (“Me”!) Time

Spending a lot of time together is the secret to sustaining a friendship, but there is too much of a good thing. Give yourself and your partner time to rejuvenate for the sake of the person and the partnership.