5 Ways to Stay in Love With Your Partner

Couples who have a strong friendship are often those with lasting relationships. But having a solid foundation isn't the only requirement to make it in the long run. It also takes some TLC along the way to prevent the flame from completely burning out. Staying in love with your partner requires work, and it's when we get lazy that things start to slip. Easier said than done, right? Maybe it's busy schedules, kids, or life that gets in the way and makes it seem acceptable to prioritize other things over your relationship. Excuses aren't allowed, because the key here is ongoing efforts. It doesn't take a whole lot of labor, just small and steady. To keep the fire burning as strong possible, try these five tips ahead.

Whether it's cooking dinner together on Wednesdays or showering together every morning, it's these kind of simple rituals that allow you to add as much or as little romance as you want. Cherish your time together, and choose to turn up the heat or to spend it talking about your days. Whatever you decide, it should be an opportunity to catch up, get on the same page, or simply to be together without any distractions.

"Date night, date night, date night" has been overly drilled into our heads, but it is still important! Especially as you grow more comfortable with your partner, the urge to stay in becomes stronger. Ordering takeout and binge-watching TV shows is definitely an ideal evening with your SO, but try to get out every now and then, also. Weeknight dates are always a fun way to shake things up and give you both something to look forward to.

Relationship expert Tara Caffelle once told me that it's never our partner's responsibility to keep us engaged: "Do things that you know turn you on and that make you want to be with them." That's not to say that he or she should give up all efforts to maintain the passion, but you can't solely rely on the other person to keep things afloat.

Try reliving your first date together by going to the same spots and maybe even wearing the same outfit. It'll spark those old memories and remind you both of the earlier times. If there was a particular trip you enjoyed, one idea could be to visit that exact destination every year on your anniversary.

This isn't limited to experimenting with lingerie or sex positions. It can be as simple as grocery shopping together at a store you've both never been to. Anything that breaks routine and allows you two to experience something new can do wonders. It's all about getting out of your comfort zone and trying something different.