Valentine’s Day Bahrainthismonth.com 38 February 2024 Tending the Flame Keeping the spark alive in long-term relationships can be challenging. Edwin D’Souza brings you the best of time-tested steps to make your relationship a long and happy one. Romance novels rarely tell the tale beyond the happily ever after. The truth is, long-term relationships, as beautiful and enriching as they can be, require more than moonlight strolls and romantic dinners. The initial spark can flicker and fade, replaced by comfortable routine and unspoken expectations. But fear not, lovebirds! Rekindling the flame and keeping the spark alive is not only possible, but a delightful adventure in itself. Communicate and have meaningful conversations Communication is always the most important aspect of a relationship. Having an open and honest style of communication is imperative as that is the bedrock of any relationship, but in the long haul, it takes on even greater significance. Go beyond the autopilot conversations about groceries and chores. Dive deeper, share your dreams and anxieties, listen actively to your partner’s unspoken emotions, and rekindle the art of meaningful conversations. Express appreciation, offer reassurance, and remember the power of a simple “I love you.” Cultivate emotional intimacy between each other, it oftens goes unnoticed how important it can be to show your vulnerable side and express freely to your partners, be empathetic and selfless and provide a safe space for your partner to be their authentic selves. Be their confidante, their cheerleader, and their rock. Emotional closeness strengthens the bond and fuels the emotional spark. Show your appreciation The language of appreciation is like oxygen, it fuels a relationship. Don’t let acts of kindness and support go unnoticed. Thank your partner for taking out the trash, making you coffee, or simply listening patiently. Celebrate their achievements, big and small, and express your admiration for their strengths and quirks. Let them know how much they mean to you, not just on special occasions, but every single day. Rediscover the joy of learning about each other Remember when you couldn’t get enough of each other’s stories? Rekindle that curiosity! Ask questions, listen with genuine interest, and be surprised by your partner’s hidden depths. Read their favourite book together, delve into a new hobby they’re passionate about, or travel to a destination they’ve always dreamt of. Embrace the unfamiliar and rediscover the joy of learning about each other, one adventure at a time. It is always essential to keep that curiosity alive in the relationship and take on fun activities where you will learn something new about each other. Here’s how you can keep the spark alive in your long-term relationship: Avoid the mundane and keep things exciting Embrace the unexpected that comes at you, routine can be comfortable, but it can also be the enemy of excitement. Break free from the predictable! Surprise your partner with a handwritten love letter, a spontaneous picnic under the stars, a bit of kayaking, or tickets to a concert they’ve been dying to see. Let your creativity run wild and inject a dose of the unexpected into your relationship. Remember, even the smallest surprises can make a big difference.
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