7 Reasons You Should Flirt With Your Partner No Matter How Long You've Been Together

Updated on 9/14/2019 at 5:40 PM

Growing up, many of us probably had a friend whose parents somehow managed to just have "it" — chemistry that seemed to draw them together over and over again no matter how long they'd been together. For me, that couple was my own mom and dad. Despite my siblings and me constantly protesting that it was "gross" when our parents basically made out in front of us, it was clear that what they had going on was actually a really good thing. By the time I was in college, the protests of "gross" from my friends turned into praises of how cute my parents were together.

Now that I'm in my own long-term relationship, I can appreciate the fact that what my parents had wasn't always easy to maintain. Like all kids, I definitely have memories of my parents fighting and disagreeing on things. But somehow, they managed to always keep flirting — and I think it held them together, even during some pretty rough times. Here are just a couple of reasons it's important to remember to flirt with your partner . . . even if you don't always feel like it.

It Helps You Feel Young

Speaking of acting the way you did when your love was new, certain kinds of flirting can help you feel like a teenager again. Making out on your couch without going all the way, anyone?

You Never Know When They Need a Confidence Boost

Don't forget that your partner is an individual who may not be sharing every intimate detail of their mind with you. Even the most confident of us need to feel seen some days. Nothing like a flirtatious tickle or a telling wink from across the room to do just that.

Eye Contact Creates Intimacy

It's a well-studied scientific fact that the more often partners look each other deeply in the eyes, the closer they become (and stay). Eye contact builds intimacy, love, and desire.

It Takes the Seriousness Out of Life

Sometimes things just get heavy. No couple go through life together unscathed. Flirting can help take the weight out of life when it might otherwise get you down. It can also remind you that you're with the one person you can have the most fun with.

It Builds Tension

Keeping the passion alive can definitely be a challenge after the so-called honeymoon period is over. The best way to reignite it? Act like new lovers again.

It Helps You Come Back After a Fight

Playfully showing your love and attraction to your partner is a great way to remind them that your arguments haven't dimmed your feelings for them. And vice versa.

It Shows Your Kids How to Be Affectionate

Finally, if you do decide to have kids, flirting with each other will model to them that relationships are fun and that people shouldn't be ashamed to show their feelings. As the child of affectionate parents, I always appreciate that this value was passed on to me — and I intend to pass it on to my kids, too.