Being in a long-term relationship for the past fifteen years and being married for ten, Bed Guru, an online bed retailer invited me to write a post for their campaign #LoveBedGuru on how to keep love strong over time. These are some of the tips I've learnt.
1. Give and take
A relationship is a two-way thing. Be kind to your partner and help them out when you can you. You can't expect to receive something when you don't offer anything in return.
So if your partner has had a hard day, do something nice for them, for example, make them a cup of tea, look after the kids for a bit, take them out for a drink, make them dinner, be especially nice. They will be more likely to reciprocate in return.
2. Time alone
If you have children, look after the elderly, or work long hours, finding time alone can be difficult. Make time to spend with your loved one alone - go out for a meal, go to the cinema together, spend a weekend away. Your relationship will reap benefits and your communication will be stronger. Communication is essential in a relationship.
Which leads me onto date nights. If you can, make this a regular event and make an effort - get dressed up for a night out and go. Date nights help you nurture your relationship and forget about everyday stresses and strains.
3. Time apart
As well as time alone it is important to have time apart too. Make time for hobbies, interests and friends that you do not share together. We all need 'me time' too for reflection and recuperation.
You will appreciate each other more when you have time apart.
4. Surprises
Who doesn't like surprises, even if you are a little bit of a control freak like me? I must admit I'm rather partial to a box of chocolates, but the best surprise was when Mr W took me out for a drive and we ended up staying over in a boutique hotel in the Welsh countryside. A perfect surprise.
5. Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter is the best medicine as they say. It releases endorphins, the feel-good hormone. Mr W and I love a good laugh and we enjoy watching comedy films and programmes together as well as watching stand up comedy. We also find laughter in everyday things.
Science has also shown that those that laugh together stay together, so go out of your way to have fun and a good laugh.
6. Kisses and cuddles
I feel kisses and cuddles are part of a loving relationship, more so than sex, although that is important too.
Make time to give your loved one a kiss, hold their hand, give them a hug, show some affection. They will feel loved, secure and happy. I personally feel there are not enough hugs in the world!
7. A good mattress
A good mattress is important for a good nights sleep and some can even be adjusted independently for different levels of firmness.
Of course, most of us in a relationship use our beds for other things than a good night's sleep, so strong springs are important too!
8. Make up
You will have times when you will argue, just remember it's ok to agree to disagree. However, one thing I find that works for us, is to never go to bed on an argument. So don't forget to make up and remember tomorrow is another day.
9. Let some things go
Sometimes you just need to let things go and not bear a grudge. I don't want to end on a sad note but what if the last memories of your loved one was an argument you had.
Just always remember to make up after an argument and let things go. Life is too short and you never know what is around the corner.
10. Don't take each other for granted
This says it all really.
Tell me how do have any relationship tips? How do you keep the romance alive in a relationship?
* in collaboration with Bed Guru
A lovely piece to read, and very much how I think. Being in a long term relationship isn't about surviving, it is about enjoying. Sometimes that just means dealing with the ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is about enjoying each other and dealing with ups and downs.
DeleteGreat tips. I think having your own interests and hobbies outside of the relationship is healthy, as is spending time apart be it alone or with friends/ other people x
ReplyDeleteThese sounds like some amazing tips to keep a healthy relationship flourishing.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!!! I know all the things I should be doing but it's nice to be reminded occasionally as it's not always easy to keep it up 😬
ReplyDeleteYou are right it isn't always easy to keep it up.
DeleteSome lovely tips, and time apart as well as time together is important x
ReplyDeleteVery true, I think you have to continue to work at a relationship no matter how long you've been together.
ReplyDeleteYou do, a relationship is definitely a two way thing.
DeleteGood tips and I'm with you on the decent mattress - a good night's sleep works wonders.
ReplyDeleteIt does for sure.
DeleteI think you left the best tips until last - let some things go and don't take each other for granted. A good reminder!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteDefinitely letting some things go, you just have to remember life is too short!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed!
DeleteI totally agree with all these tips, quality time together and then some time apart are really important, you need to enjoy each other's company, but also have space to breathe and be you.
ReplyDeleteSome great tips here! I agree with a good mattress, mine is so comfortable!
ReplyDeleteTime apart is so important to me in my relationships too. I always crave time to myself and if someone can't give me that then I'll be the worst girlfriend ever haha!
ReplyDeleteP.s sorry for the late comment !
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