RESOLVING CONFLICT IN MARRIAGE

A marriage, millions of people dream of the day they will get married. But do they dream of the conflict that might come with that marriage? Absolutely not.  Disagreements are sure to happen in a marriage, but they do not have to lead to hurtful arguments. Here are some suggestions to help resolve conflicts with your spouse.

1. Agree to always listen to each others feelings, even if you disagree with the appropriateness of those feelings.

2.Fight eye to eye. If the fighting has already started, sit down, and discuss it eye to eye. If your spouse is not willing to sit down, be the 'bigger person' in the conversation and ask them nicely to sit down.
3.Commit yourselves to both honesty and acceptance.

4.Do not pick at the other for little things. For example, your husband might move some of the pillows on to the other chair when he comes home from work everyday and everyday you put them back. Make it a habit! Do not pick at your husband for doing that. Also, if your wife likes to rearrange your mail, give it to her to put in order so that both of you are happy. Nagging at what the other does, doesn't help one bit.

5. Limit the conflict to the here and now – never bring up past failures, since all past failures should have already been forgiven.

6.Appreciate one another. A thank you for something nice here and there didn't hurt someone. Also, saying sorry to someone, even if they made the mistake, can make a big difference.

7.Focus on that issue rather than attacking each other.

8Let the other make mistakes. No one is perfect, people make mistakes. Do not hold down the other when you wouldn't want to be held down for a mistake.

9.Never say anything derogatory about your mate’s personality. Proverbs 11:12 tells us that he who despises (belittles) his neighbor lacks sense (NASB).

10.Spend quality time together. What was the real reason you married the person? To have kids and that's it? I highly doubt that's why most people marry. The person you married is for a companion many people long to have but sometimes never get. Someone who's your best friend when your best friend isn't around. Back to reality, when spending quality time with your significant other it doesn't mean going shopping for 5 hours or going to a baseball game which only one might enjoy. It means take the time out to enjoy the weather to talk, to play, to take a stroll down a country road or even speed race each other at the go-carts.

HOW TO MAKE SEX EXCITING IN A MARRIAGE

How can anything be novel or exciting, and how do they beat the boredom? What you must remember is that no one is the same person each day, each month, or each year. A healthy marriage helps each person grow and evolve. The healthier the marriage, the more you can embrace and expect each person to grow and change. The way a couple communicates their love changes, too.
Great sex is highly correlated with understanding your partner. For women, the more secure and comfortable they are with their partner, the more unconventional and open to new things they will be. This affects their partner and is what makes their partner love sex with them. Men's need for visual variety is much higher than women's. Men may use this as an excuse for why they visit men's clubs or invest in pornography, when in truth, this is a rote and "in the box thinking" excuse.
Women's tendencies to not value intimacy or sex as much as they do their children and their numerous other chores stems from societal pressures. Women don't use sex as a stress reliever as men do, because it isn't a stress reliever. It becomes a chore when a woman feels as if she has numerous jobs to do, and lists pleasing her husband as another one of those jobs. Many women don't understand the importance of their sexual health and how important sex is to a healthy marriage.

HOW TO MAKE SEX  EXCITING IN A MARRIAGE

NO More Excuses. It hurts. He snores so we don’t sleep in the same room. I’m uncomfortable with my body. I have a disturbing or painful sexual past. Please hear me on this: I’m not trying to make light of all these situations, but some of them can be serious. Even so, sex is so important to your relationship that you must work like crazy to work through these issues in your marriage so you can have great sex. You might need to go to counseling to work through your past, you might need to hit the gym so you feel better about your body, you might need to get some of those strips to go over your nose and prevent you from snoring. Whatever your situation is, I seriously am tired of hearing excuses on why you are not having sex. Start having sex. In order to start having sex you need to work through your junk. Today. Attack this stuff so it doesn’t keep you out of the bedroom any longer.The brain is the largest sex organ. You have to start here to feel good about sex. If you are angry or anxious at a partner, you have to deal with the brain first. Anger that is held in does not create good sex or help you to feel sexy.

Your Attitude.  Embrace yourself   you don't need to be a perfect size. If you have curves and hips, embrace them. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of women. Most of us have flaws, cellulite, acne, or wrinkles. These "flaws" will not distract from a beautiful smile or a warm embrace. Take a lesson from your man. Men are much better at embracing their flaws than women are.

Fantasize. The more you think about sex, the more you will want it, so be sure to take time to think about it. Read romance novels, listen to music, and watch movies. I caution couples not to share their fantasies unless they involve one another.Foreplay. The name tells you what it is for. Healthy marriage foreplay starts first thing in the morning and lasts all day. Make sure you stay connected during the day with a quick call or text. Sexual intercourse is only one small part of sex. There are so many ways to be intimate in your marriage, so why get hung up on only one?
 Twice a week. Practice makes perfect. Sure, sex is a great chance to have an orgasm, but more than that, sex connects you and brings you closer. You won’t have great sex the first time and you probably won’t have great sex the first year of marriage every time. I have been married 9years now and I can honestly say it gets better and better. The more comfortable you are with your spouse (and with your own bodies), the more in love you grow with each other. But, you have to work at it and this can only happen when you are having sex.

 The other person comes first. I can cut to the chase on this one and just say make your spouse cum first and leave it at that. I am not trying to be tasteless here – I’m being honest! Look, porn has taught so many people what they like (or so they think) and how they like it, and a lot of people approach sex in marriage with this selfish attitude. You want to have great sex in marriage? Then remember your partner and their needs and their likes. Make it a point to serve your spouse in this way. Let’s be honest, not every girl likes it from behind as much as men do, so men, make sure your wife is taken care of not just you

Dress for sex all the time Wearing sexy lingerie or silk boxers (or nothing at all) underneath your work clothes or sweats even will help you feel sexy and a little naughty. This will put you in the mood for sex and throughout the day will have you anticipating the moment you finally get to have sex. It will also serve as a lovely surprise as your husband or wife undresses you. White cotton granny panties, after all, can really kill the mood.

Be spontaneous  While some people have to schedule sex to make sure it happens, there is something exhilarating about having sex with your partner unexpectedly. If your husband is in the bathroom getting ready for work and you rub against him, push him against the wall, and give him a kiss and it leads to sex right then and there, you’ll both start the day with a smile. Some couples even enjoy sex in public places. But that can get risky because if you get caught, it’s against the law. Your couch or the kitchen table in the middle of the day are better alternatives.

Start early and keep the lights on. This is a 2 for 1. Maybe one for the guys and one for the girls. Guys, don’t just touch your wife when you want sex. Be affectionate and start earlier in the day. Kiss, hug, gross out your kids, and then don’t wait till right before bed to have sex. Tired sex is not great sex. Turn off Modern Family or CSI or Sports center and get to it. Women, remember men are visual as well; both you and your husband need to feel comfortable when having sex but if you can be comfortable with the lights on, then great sex happens

 Husbands initiate. I just saved so many of you couples a ton of hours of fighting and angry nights. I don’t know how many couples I talk to who argue over and over and over about this one. “My wife doesn’t initiate sex enough” So, then that leads men to play games. “I wonder how many days I can go without having sex to see if she will ask for it.” Dumb. Don’t play games like this. I’m not trying to be a sexist here, nor am I saying women can’t initiate sex (I sure don’t complain anytime my wife initiates). What I am saying is: just take it off the table and initiate as often as you need to.

 Connect in and out of Bed. You and you spouse need to be partners. You need to be best friends. You need to enjoy each other as people and be connected emotionally. Without that, then your sex life is just going to be strictly physical and won’t be great.
Now me and my wife are like twin, hope this article meet what you want cheers

WHAT WOMEN WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP

WHAT WOMEN WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP?

It all comes down to simple things, really.

But it’s always the simple things that are the hardest, isn’t it, especially when you don’t realize the importance of the little things that really matter While you can't possibly hope to be the Superman who pleases all, there are some universal traits that seem to tick all the boxes for that most mysterious of sexes. You know, things like six packs and hair you can run your hands through. Kidding...

 Confidence

when men felt more confident their body language physically changed – and women's attraction increased. Feeling comfortable in your own skin and assured on your life path will be obvious physically, which is what will attract women above all. Remember the frog who turned into a Prince? That could be YOU! OK not really but you see where we're going with this...

In terms of what actually comes out of your mouth, confident people are natural salespeople, and research shows that confidence makes us seem more trustworthy. When you’re out on the meat market, selling how great you are, confidence makes people accept your pitch. Pretty logical, ain't it?

Women like being envied

If you can make your girlfriend or wife feel better than the other women around her, she’ll be grateful and will fall more in love with you every day. All of us base our own relationships on the relationships we see all around us. If others cheat, we assume we have to cheat too. If other boyfriends treat their girlfriends better, we assume we have to do it too.

But instead of waiting for someone else to get the best boyfriend title, take the lead. Surprise your woman with flowers at her workplace, plan special dinners and take off on little vacations. Make your woman feel like she’s having the best relationship in the world, and you’ll be just the man she would love to be with forever, even if there’s a lot of competition in the air.

 Ambition

Women are attracted to men who strive to be the best they can be. Men who set themselves clear goals and actively pursue them possess an appealing strength of character. This is the type of man a woman will feel safe depending on – someone who knows what he wants and can make it happen.

Kind Gestures:

Hugs, kisses, unexpected telephone calls to say "I love you." Simple things. I suggest five touch points a day for one week — any kind gesture that takes 30 seconds or less. If a man can do this for his partner for one week, both will be amazed at how much better they feel in the relationship.

Sense of humour

Laughing improves mood, stress levels, health in general and genuinely makes you a happier, more levelled individual. So it makes all the sense that women will seek to find a man that makes her laugh. The more laughter, the higher your chances of hooking her
You don’t have to be a clown to impress your girl, but you do need to look at the happy side of everything now and then. A serious boyfriend may be great for family planning in the future but a fun guy is perfect all year around.

Understanding:

It’s important for women to have men who understand them. It’s also important for women to help men understand how to listen. Men often don’t have a clue they’re being bad lis

Intelligence

Women want a man who can look good and dress well. Be the man your woman will be happy to show off to her friends and other guys who try to hit on her. When her friends envy her or comment on how charming you are, your woman can’t help but blush and realize how lucky she is to be with you.

HOW TO BOOST YOUR LIBIDO

sexual dysfunction affects both men and women of all ages for a variety of reasons, including old age, chronic illness, stress, and anxiety. But there are things you can do to put the sizzle back into your sex
 Plan more date nights

If a fun Saturday night with your hubby means watching Showtime in sweatpants, it could be killing your sex drive. Rekindle your romance by getting out of the house for an old-fashioned date. Your dates don’t need to be grand romantic evenings; just going to the movies or out to dinner can reignite the spark you felt when you first met. “If it’s too expensive to hire a nanny, ask your friends with kids to watch yours for the night and offer to return the favor,”

Take a Bite Out of a Forbidden Fruit

While little evidence supports the effectiveness of such substances, there’s no harm in experimenting with the much touted libido-boosting foods, known as aphrodisiacs.
Figs, bananas, and avocados are just a few of the foods known to arouse both men and women simply by their suggestive appearance. But these foods also provide important vitamins and minerals that can potentially increase blood flow to the genitals and promote a healthy sex life.

Divide household chores equally

After a long day of work, you may head home for your other full-time job: being a parent. “After the kids go to bed, there’s often cleanup followed by work that you’ve brought home,“As a result, intimacy gets pushed to the background.” If you and your partner are both working full-time, keeping the division of household labor equal and ensuring one partner doesn’t shoulder the whole burden will make both of you happier in the bedroom and out.

Take Your Daily Herbs

Next time you decide to sit down for a romantic dinner, add a little basil or garlic to your dish. The smell of basil stimulates the senses and garlic contains high levels of allicin, which increases blood flow and may help men with erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine, an alkaloid found in the bark of the West African evergreen, has long been known to function as a natural Viagra. Some studies suggest that Yohimbine bark can help you obtain and maintain an erection and enhances the quality of an erection.  However, researchers say there is no natural equivalent to match Viagra.

Set your room up for romance

It’s easy to get in the habit of letting your kids crawl into bed with you after they’ve had a bad dream, or sharing cuddle time with your cat or dog. These are major mood killers, who suggests keeping the kiddos and pets out by simply locking the bedroom door at night. It may take some time to break these habits, but making the bed sexy again will make you more relaxed and ready for romance.

Boost Your Self-Confidence

The way you feel about your body affects the way you feel about sex. An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise can not only cause you to have a poor self-image, but it can discourage you from having and enjoying sex.

Add sex to your to-dos

We schedule doctor’s appointments, work meetings, and drinks with friends—so why not sex? It’s not the most romantic approach, but setting aside a specific time with your significant other
Exercise often. Less stress, an improved mood, and higher self-esteem are all health benefits of exercise—and together they can rev up your sex drive. In fact, a recent study found that women who were taking antidepressants and were experiencing a dulled libido (a common side effect) improved sexual satisfaction by doing three 30-minute sweat sessions per week.means you’re making a commitment to having an active sex life. This way, you’ll feel compelled to keep the appointment and be less likely to make excuses.

Take Time to Meditate and Relieve Stress

No matter how healthy you are, being stressed out is going to affect your sex drive. women are particularly susceptible to the effects stress can have on one’s sex life. Men, on the other hand, can sometimes use sex as a way to relieve stress, which can cause conflict.

Use a lubricant

Getting in the mood can be almost impossible if sex is painful for you—but it doesn’t have to be. One of the leading causes is dryness. “If vaginal dryness is causing pain during intercourse, try using a silicone-based sexual lubricant or a vaginal moisturizer,” suggests Dr. Millheiser. “Silicone lubricants are longer-lasting and more moisturizing than the water-based alternatives. If this doesn’t improve the situation, you may want to check with a gynecologist to see if vaginal estrogen therapy is appropriate.”

TOP WAYS TO KEEP RELATIONSHIP FRESH

Stop arguing over money

As I mentioned above, finances is one of the greatest causes of fights. Although we are in a recession now, you and your partner should stop arguing over money to keep your relationship strong. Don’t complain and don’t bicker. Think together about things you spend on, how you can make more money and how you can save. Work together and your relationship will be much stronger.

Keep the Element of Surprise Alive

Surprise your partner from time to time in a variety of ways. Arrive home with a small gift, cook your partner’s favorite meal or book a surprise weekend getaway. These types of surprises will keep the excitement alive and prevent you from getting stuck in a relationship rut.
Be more affectionate

To keep your relationship going strong, you should become more affectionate and bear in mind why you love your boyfriend or husband. Don’t forget to tell him that you miss or love him.When you’re apart, send romantic text messages to one another. This can build anticipation for when you’ll see each other again. Use texting to send short messages of love, admiration, and encouragement. Don’t be afraid to send some sexy text messages to spice things up. It is a simple and easy way to keep the romance in your relationship.

Verbalize Your Loving Feelings

Don’t forget to use your words to express your feelings. Sometimes people forget all those mushy things they used to say to one another once the relationship matures. Say, “I love you,” often and don’t shy away from words that truly express how you feel.

Respect each other when you argue

No one wants to argue, however it’s a part of life. When you fight with your partner, make sure you do it correctly. Try to listen to one another and don’t interrupt. You should hear each other and try to understand each other no matter how upset or angry you are. Control your emotions and remember words can hurt more than actions.

Greet One Another with Excitement

The way you greet one another after being apart can set the tone for the rest of the day. Changing small habits, such as the way you greet your partner when they get home, can be key to KEEPING relationship. Greet your partner at the door with a hug and a kiss and express your joy at being together again. This can start things off on the right foot and set you on the path to reconnect after being apart.

Share things with your partner

A common relationship complaint is that your partner withdraws. It can be because he is upset or stressed, or he worries about something. Try to talk to him and ask him to share his problems with you. You should also share your love, fear, worries and responsibilities with your partner. Even if your partner can’t help you, he will appreciate the fact that you trust him. Regular, open and direct communication is the key to a successful long-term relationship.

Be friends

Just because you are a couple doesn’t mean that you can’t be friends as well. Don’t say things that you would never say to your close friend. Spend some quality time together having fun so that your relationship doesn’t become all about the seriousness and routine. Explore your partner’s interests and support him when he needs it. Don’t make him to the nearest bar. Let him know that he can stay at home and share his worries with you.

REASON WHY SEX IS IMPORTANT IN A RELATIONSHIP

                                            

Sex is not everything in a relationship — but it’s a big part of it, and what goes on in the bedroom can say a lot about you as a couple — and if it will survive the long haul. But it's not just whether you have sex often or the sex is good or not.Sex can be a much more passionate experience when you share it with a meaningful partner. Sex may feel like a mere means of pleasure and fun but there is a lot of good that it can do for your relationship.
Keeps you connected
‘Sex brings a closeness that is beyond words. It relaxes you, puts you in tune with each other, and smooths over all the everyday trials and tribulations.Sex is very much the glue in a marriage,. ‘You simply cannot get closer than having sex. It consolidates the bond which keeps people together.This is a one of the most obvious reasons why sex is important I think.

Stress Release
With the kind of lives we live, stress has become an integral part of it. This often takes a toll on your relationship. However, research shows that sex releases a feel-good chemical in the brain, which reduces stress levels. Instead of resorting to antidepressants, engage in a heated sex session to improve your well being and strengthen your relationship. Experts say people who have regular sex respond better to stress than people who don’t.

Live Longer
In order for the optimal health benefits, having an orgasm every 24 hours keeps the health benefits at their maximum and the levels of Oxycontin which is also called the love hormone that will make you feel that you need to love and trust your partner. , estrogen and testosterone consistently flowing. Not only that, but regular sex can improve cardiovascular health, reduce risks of prostate cancer and even reduce the possibility of osteoporosis. Why not help your partner live longer?

Keeps you both healthy
Sex can also benefit your overall health. Sex can also make you more flexible. It also acts as a metabolic and immune booster and can also fight the aging process. This ensures that it not only keeps you and your partner healthy but also keeps your relationship vibrant.

Exercise
Make your sexy time into an exercise! You actually burn 144+ calories per half-hour every time you get down and dirty according to studies, and who doesn’t love burning calories? (ESPECIALLY while having sexy time!) The key for high-calorie-burning sex is making it hot and making it last, say experts. You can also add a little moaning and sighing, which can help you burn an extra 18 to 30 calories.

Good Night's Sleep
 Who isn’t tired after some time between the sheets? This is a fantastic way to help you close those heavy eyes before your usual time. Sex is said to cause a drop in body temperature, and also appears to induce a deep sleep. Experts usually discourage exercise within a few hours of bedtime but the physical activity of sex seems to be a positive exception to that rule.

Sex is the vital component in a functioning relationship, but it doesn’t have to be incredibly frequent. A couple just need to know they have those moments of intimacy which only they share, and which bond them together.’

WAYS TO KEEP HIM COMLETELY FOR YOU ONLY

If you've finally caught the eye of your crush, we know you're going to want to hang onto him. But getting a guy interested and keeping him interested are two totally different things. To help you make sure you keep your newest catch on the line, we've come up with a few simple strategies. men have an innate need to feel respected and appreciated by their partners. It is most disconcerting for a man to realize he has disappointed his partner in some way. He wants to be her hero. Read on to find out how to make sure your new man sticks around.Whatever the reason, 

Put effort into your appearance
Looks aren't everything and let's face it — a lot of guys we know think as long as something isn't covered in stains it can be worn to almost any event, but guys do enjoy feeling like you've made an effort for them. We're not suggesting you wear a full face of makeup at all times, but if after the fourth date you're already answering the door in sweatpants, you might want to rethink your strategy for keeping your new guy interested. There's no need for cocktail dresses and stilettos, but do opt for something polished and pulled together.
Don't over-accomodate.

Sometimes in a relationship, a woman can become too accommodating. Men get into relationships with a very clear picture of what a lifetime partner looks like, and this is often in stark contrast to whom he may have dated casually. Women work to become the person their partner wants them to be, and in doing so, they lose themselves. One day, their man realizes this is what he asked for but he isn't sure it's what he really wants. Maintain a healthy sense of self in your relationship.
Be supportive

The most recent Survey indicated that a sense of caring and nurturing was the second most important trait for men deciding if a woman was relationship material. We're not suggesting you become his mother, start cleaning up after him or doing his grocery shopping, but being there when he needs support or listening when he needs someone to talk to is important when building a bond with someone new and letting them know you want to be a larger part of their life.
 Be willing to initiate sex.

Men equate sex with desirability. Help your man to feel desired by expressing your love in a physical way.
Have a sense of humor

Being able to make a guy laugh and being able to laugh with him are very important ingredients for keeping a guy interested. Laughter is a bonding experience and if you can make him smile with your clever wit, deadpan delivery or sassy sarcasm, he's likely to stick around. Not to mention that people who have a good sense of humor usually don't take themselves too seriously, which for a lot of guys can be a huge turn-off. So don't be afraid to show your funny side — making him laugh will make him want to keep spending time with you.
 Let him have time to himself.

Some men cheat because they begin to feel hemmed in by the relationship. Engaging in an affair can provide them the sense of freedom they lose in a relationship. Allow your man time for himself without you. Don't try to monopolize all your guy's time. Be open to time apart for him to spend with friends, pursue hobbies, etc., so he does not feel he has no freedom.
Learn his love language.
Learn your man's love language and speak it to him regularly. He will know he is loved and remain true to you.
Be aware of your emotions.

Whether or not we are aware of it, women are masters at using their emotions to communicate volumes without speaking any words. We communicate anger, rage, sadness and disappointment that is received by our partners.Instead of taking that as a cue to do something different, some men begin to look for another partner who idolizes them the way you used to. Don't forget, your man wants to know he lights you up, and not that he is constantly disappointing you.
Have other things to do

Having your own interests and hobbies is another important aspect of keeping guys attracted to you. Doing your own thing means you won't be instantly dependent on him and wanting to hang out 24/7 (which can seem clingy), plus when you do see him, you'll have more to talk about. Devoting all of your attention to the guy you like may seem like a good idea, but being too available too soon can make you seem desperate, which can be a huge turn-off to some guys. "I won't date a girl who doesn't have any interests outside just hanging out with me," says a 34-year-old financial planner we spoke with about what keeps him interested. "I just think it's really cool when a girl is passionate about something.”
Give him massages! After a long hard day at work and stress of after-work traffic, men love to be given a nice body, back, or foot massage. If you have the time and energy, throw in a pedicure and manicure. You may even get the same treatment in return, especially if you ask for it! A guy who won't give you a nice long massage after you've given one to him doesn't deserve to have you dote on him.

Top 10: Ways To Keep A Relationship Interesting

Relationships are always tough, and things don’t get any easier as time goes on. You don’t get any better at it just because you’ve been on the job longer. With most long-term relationships, there are going to be periods of ennui and speed bumps of tedium along the way. Wandering eyes can also become a problem when anyone spends the bulk of his time with just one person. The most important thing is to be aware of the inevitable lulls or moments of doubt, and to make a plan to counteract them. Just because you’ve been together a long time doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun being in the relationship.

Of course, the key ingredient to any satisfying relationship is to be in love and that’s something we can’t guide you on. However, we can give you the following 10 ways to keep a long-term relationship interesting through even the most trying times.
10. Throw parties
One of the biggest mistakes that a couple can make is to spend every second with just each other. By just throwing a party and inviting both of your groups of friends over, not only will you be introducing some of your buddies to some new ladies, but you’ll also have an opportunity to be around each other without being attached to one another; this is a great way to keep a long-term relationship interesting. You can play some poker with your bros while she entertains her friends, or you can spend your time meeting some of her friends while she does the same. It will be enriching, exciting and most of all, fun.
9. Visit someplace new
If you guys end up going to the same restaurants all the time, you’ll inevitably be spending a lot of time retreading the same ground. By going to a new city, a new beach or a new hotel, you’ll be opening up a wide range of new conversations and it's a great way to keep a long-term relationship interesting.

It’s wonderfully revitalizing for any relationship to be put in a situation where you’re on equal footing, both unaware of how exactly this new place operates. And when it’s time to go back to the hotel room at the end of the day, you’ll be able to enliven your love life on an entirely different bedspread.
8. Spend time apart
This is one of the hardest things to do if you’re in a long-term relationship with someone you truly care about. When you love someone, you want to spend as much time with them as possible, but it’s important to not only have some space, but to also spend a night apart every once in a while as well.

Being apart not only allows you some freedom, but it will also make both of you miss each other a little bit and is an ideal way to keep a long-term relationship interesting. Now, we're not suggesting you spend a night apart with other people, we're suggesting you take a night to visit a friend out of town, or you can suggest she spend the weekend at her parent's so they can catch up.

7. Give gifts
Giving a gift to someone not only lets them know you love them, but also that you’ve been thinking of them when they weren’t around. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant or pricey, it just has to be something from the heart that your partner would really enjoy. Even if they tell you that it’s unnecessary and not to buy it, it’s very much necessary for the future health of your relationship and a great way to keep a long-term relationship interesting.

6. Make surprise visits
Don’t be a stalker, but every once in a while pop into her work and take her out for lunch or just stop by to say hello. It’s the same reasoning behind getting her a gift; it’s a reminder to her that you were thinking of her. However, the difference with this way to keep a long-term relationship interesting is that not only were you thinking of her, but the thought of her imbued you with an urgent need to see her at once. Isn’t that romantic? Well, she'll think so.

5. Go on dates
Hey, just because you’ve been dating a while doesn’t mean you should shirk your duties as a gentleman. And a date doesn't mean you take her to that local Mexican place you always go to. Instead, do some planning and make a reservation someplace affordable, but romantic. Open the door for her, order some wine and dessert and hold her hand if she wants to. Make it a regular thing, weekly or bi-weekly depending on your budget and schedules. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’ll make your relationship stronger and healthier in the long run.

4. Set goals together
This is a great way to reinvigorate not only your long-term relationship, but your ambition. Sit down with your partner and decide where you guys want to be in the long-term -- neighborhood, house, kids, jobs, etc. -- and how to get there. Ask each other for advice about how best to accomplish those goals and once they are accomplished. And don’t just stop there, set new goals: health, comfort, happiness, redecorating, and so on. There are always ways to better yourself and your relationship, and it’s better to do it together than separately.

3. Try new things in the bedroom

Trust us, there is always something that you haven’t tried. Let’s face it, if you’ve been with someone for a long time, it inevitably gets a little monotonous in the bedroom with both partners wanting to just get their kicks and go to bed. However, if you really want to give your long-term relationship staying power, give a little extra effort in the bedroom: bring in some sex toys if she wants (or if you want); bring on the whips and chains; or pour some candle wax. These things don’t have to sound appealing to you, but give them a try anyway and you might be surprised. At the very least, you’ll have shared a new experience together.

2. Introduce a third party

Ultimately, every couple will make that fateful decision to add someone new to the mix. Get your minds out of the gutter, we’re talking about bringing a child into the world. There is nothing that will bond a couple quite like having something to care for together, something that is more important than each other. If you’re not quite ready to take that step (and don't have a child simply because the relationship is in trouble and needs patching, it is not a fix-all solution), then think about bringing in a dog, a cat or even a goldfish, any being that both of you can care for and love.

Discover things together
In the end, the best way to keep a long-term relationship interesting is the easiest thing you can do: Add that element of “new” to your life and your long-term relationship. Take a cooking class together, do yoga with each other or take dancing lessons. Hell, just take her to a new museum once in a while. The bottom line is that you want to be with each other, but it’s always better to have something in common that you can discuss together. The stuff in the bedroom, that’s the easy part, but finding someone you actually want to talk to afterward, that’s the tough part. And when you finally get that, keep searching for something new to converse about and keep that initial feeling alive for the years ahead.