No one said relationships were easy. But there are definitely ways you can enhance your relationship and keep the fireworks you felt when you first met. Here are some simple tips to make sparks fly over the upcoming holiday -- and every other night! 1. Make some “you” time. Living together, eating together, spending weekends together; you see him all the time. Take a Friday night to go out with your girlfriends and you will actually enjoy the time you spend with him more. The time away and the independence you feel will remind you why you love not being single anymore. And you’ll always have someone waiting for you at home! 2. Take control Taking control in the bedroom will surprise and excite your man. If he’s always the one making the first move, change it up a bit and drop some subtle hints throughout the day that you’d like to get a little frisky later. You don’t have to become the dominant Christian Grey , but showing him how much you want him will really create fireworks in the bedroom. 3. Experiment Now, more than ever before, sex is becoming less of a taboo subject and more mainstream. It used to be that a woman needed a trench coat, dark sunglasses and a non-descript hat to cover up her curiosity while scanning the shelves at a sex shop. Now, it only takes a walk through the local drug store to find name-brand vibrators in the aisle next to the condoms. To bring that spark back to your relationship, try introducing intimacy enhancement products into the bedroom such as Masque Sexual Flavors -- dissolvable, flavored strips that cover the tastes associated with oral sex. 4. Don't rush Sex therapists are unanimous in saying that foreplay is essential before you get it on with your man. Not only is foreplay fun, it could be necessary to help a woman relax before sex. Don’t forget about foreplay when you and your man are alone. Why do teenagers kiss longer and feel more lust and passion? Sure they may be a little nervous, but it’s ultimately because it’s fun. Teenagers haven’t lost sight of the joys of a simple kiss. Don’t rush right into the act; the little things can give you quite a spark. 5. Share fun experiences If the two of you have settled into a routine, you may resist trying new things. Sit down together and share your bucket lists. Always wanted to go sky diving? Never been skinny dipping? Suggest some things you’d love to do with him and commit to making them happen. Sharing fun experiences will be sure to spice up your relationship. 6. Plan a fun date Coming up with new activities to do together will keep your relationship fresh and fun. Going on dates like you did while getting to know each other will bring back those same exciting feelings. Take turns having each of you plan a fun outing once a week. Watching movies on the couch gets old and gives you no time to chat and laugh with your partner. Try going for a picnic in a nearby park, renting a kayak and heading out to a lake, enrolling in a salsa class together or creating matching mugs in a pottery studio. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, you can come up with tons of creative ideas to get out of the house. 7. Increase your communication If you’re already in a committed relationship, this could be the easiest way to make sparks fly. If you usually communicate via text, give him a mid-day call. Hearing his voice will instantly perk you up and he won’t expect it. Let him know you’re thinking of him during the day by sending a flirty email or funny video. When you’re in the bedroom, don’t be shy about telling him what you want and have him do the same. Telling him what you like and where to touch you will increase your pleasure, and in turn, his as well because he knows he’s pleasing you. 8. Be flirty Just because you’re committed doesn’t mean you have to stop flirting with each other. Go out to dinner with friends and slide your hand a little too high up his leg, interlock your feet from across the table and flash him quick smiles. You can even send him a suggestive text mid-meal! It’ll make him yearn for your date to be over faster so he can get you home. Flirting isn’t only for single people; it brings playfulness to your relationship that is sure to keep the fire lit. 9. Don't slack off It’s easy to come home after a long day at work and throw on the comfy pair of sweatpants you only wash once a week and an oversized t-shirt before curling up on the couch to watch reality TV. When you get home it’s understandable to want to unwind and relax, but do it in moderation. If you usually wear your sweats, every once in a while slip on a sexy, silky nightgown instead. He’ll be sure to notice! 10. Spend 4th of July alone Prioritize some alone time this 4th of July. Commit to a staycation, book a hotel in town and find the best local spot to catch the fireworks. Watching fireworks together on a blanket can be romantic and sexy. After they’re over, head back to make some fireworks of your own.
