Keep It Fresh!

2 November 2010

Even true love takes a bit of work from time to time. Here are our top tips on keeping your relationship fresh!

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Be Tactile
It’s all too easy to settle into a routine where you give each other a peck on the cheek each night. Sex isn’t necessarily a daily requirement, but intimacy is: make sure you hug and kiss plenty.
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Exchange Fantasies
A classic, but few of us try it often enough. Bear in mind that fantasies can change over the years, so that catsuit that turned him on years ago might need updating...or he might not be aware of the role that sexy vampires play in your life. Have a few drinks, and be honest with each other. Who knows what excitements will follow!
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Get A Pet
This is a bona fide relationship test and what many consider a rehearsal for having children. It can also be a lot of fun, assuming you’re both animal lovers. Just make sure you’re ready for the patter of tiny paws – both emotionally and financially.
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Holiday With Friends - Or Even Apart
Romantic breaks are all very well but a holiday with good mates can add an extra dynamic and give you all options according to your different interests. Equally, if you’re holidaying together, don’t be afraid to spend a day apart – it’ll make the dinner conversation all the better.

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Go For A Long Walk To A Nice Pub
Walking gets the heart beating faster, makes you feel good about yourself and allows you to have long, uninterrupted conversations. Just make sure you leave your mobile on silent, and have a few good conversation starters – both deep stuff and “top five movies” stuff. It’s all good.
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Have Time Apart
It’s easy to get on top of each other, especially if you live together, and quantity of time isn’t always quality. Use an enforced separation as time to explore your own needs, and don’t be afraid to have a weekend with the girls so you can come back refreshed, and with new conversation.
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Country Weekend
The classic romantic break option really does work: a literal breath of fresh air can put the zing back into your romance, both between the sheets and on the long country roads (even if, unlike Kate, you are driving an old banger rather than a swish convertible). Of course, if you two are already country dwellers, a city break may do the trick - it's all about the change of scene!
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Look After Yourselves
A healthy body leads to a healthy relationship, so as much as we all love a few glasses of vino, try to balance it with exercise. Partners can lead each other astray with bad habits, so if you think that’s a danger, try to nip it in the bud and bring up a moderation/detox plan. You’ll reap the rewards in bed, for one!

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Glam Up
Even if you're in a comfy routine that involves a lot of sofa time, it's worth reminding yourself once in a while that a pair of heels and a killer dress makes everyone feel good – you, your partner and all those envious men on the street. Try it more often.
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Spend Family Time
One of the most bonding experiences a couple can have is learning to love each other’s parents and siblings, warts and all. So don’t avoid family gatherings like the plague – it may bring you closer together, even if only in exasperation!
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Have A Clear-Out
Ew – sounds like the least fun you can have, right? You may be wrong. Everyone needs to clear out the clutter and this in turn clears out the mind. Do it together and you can have a laugh comparing old clothes and feel a sense of shared achievement.
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Take On A Joint Project
We’re not suggesting going into business together, or even duetting ala Beyonce and Jay-Z. But having a goal you’re both working towards can bring you closer. It might be a surprise you’re planning for a friend in need, or a charity event – you’ll learn about each other and feel all warm inside.

Do Some Naughty Shopping
He may hate being dragged along on the interminable hunt for that perfect pair of jeans, but take him lingerie shopping and you may find his interest increases – along with his sex drive.
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Spend The Weekend In Bed
Now, do we really need to explain this one? Phones off, toys out, schedule cleared… let your bodies do the talking. Few of us do this enough – we recommend once a month. Enjoy!
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Listen
Observe the pattern of your conversations. Are you asking a question but interrupting his answer half way through? Most of us do it. Try applying a patient listening technique and he may feel more loved and understood.
Babysit
If you're even thinking you might have kids some day, this is great practice and gives you an insight into the father he could be. It'll also make you appreciate your alone time!

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Vary Your Schedule
Don’t get stuck in a rut. Routine can be useful – essential, if you have children – but try to introduce variety where you can. Men are especially liable to rebel against enforced routine so beat him to it and surprise him with a change once in a while.
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Date Night
We recommend once a week - but you don’t have to actually go out, especially if you’re a party couple. A rare night in can recharge the relationship batteries – just make sure you avoid the computer screen and use the TV screen with caution.
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Sexy Lunch
If you work near each other, or one of you has a day off, how about arranging a lunchtime tryst in a hotel? Pre-order the champers and use an assumed name to add to the sense of mystery – then go back to work with a very big smile on your face!
Rex
Vary Your Schedule
Don’t get stuck in a rut. Routine can be useful – essential, if you have children – but try to introduce variety where you can. Men are especially liable to rebel against enforced routine so beat him to it and surprise him with a change once in a while.