Love

8 Super-Sweet (And Easy!) Ways To Bring Romance Back To Your Relationship

Photo: Merla / Shutterstock
woman and man having dinner

Who doesn't want a great relationship with a little extra romance? If you put your mind to it, you can, all by yourself, make big changes in your love relationship.

If you follow even some of these tips some of the time, it can make a big difference in your love life:

The more you follow them the better the results.

RELATED: When She Asks You To Be 'More Romantic,' This Is What She Really Means

1. Hug your partner at least 3 times a day

If it is not already a habit, start with a warm hug when you meet at the end of the day. Work up to 3.

Hugs are calming, and they aren't necessarily sexual. They just need to feel good—protective, loving, affectionate.

You don’t have to feel like it—just do it. Or tell your partner, "I need a hug!"

You will know when you have held it long enough by how your body relaxes and your small exhale of breath.

2. Instead of a complaint, make a specific action request—in a kind tone of voice

Instead of "You never do nice things for me!" it could be "I would love it if you would rub my back when I feel tired."

Or instead of "Those pants look awful on you!" say, "You look so great in those other pants. I like looking at you!" or "You look so handsome/beautiful when you dress up."

Or, instead of "You lazy bum, pick up your clothes!" say, "I really appreciate it when you pick up your clothes. It makes me feel so good about you!"

3. Do something nice your partner does not expect—daily

Cook a good meal when your partner feels stressed. Kiss him/her on the spur of the moment.

Give a small gift when it isn't an occasion. Do a special favor.

Clean up something your partner accidentally broke or spilled just to show your love and support.

Think of something you would like to have done for you, and do it for your partner instead. Don't worry if he/she doesn't reciprocate right away. Give it time.

4. Write a loving, forgiving, or appreciative note to your partner and put it someplace for them to find as a surprise

Under a pillow, in a lunch, in a pocket, on a mirror—you know the places!

RELATED: 4 Reasons Why There's No Romance In Your Relationship & What To Do About It

5. Initiate lovemaking when your partner could be receptive

This is especially effective if you are usually not the one who initiates—making sure it is comfortable in terms of time, privacy, and energy. Have patience if it doesn't happen the first few times.

6. If you disagree, respond first by summarizing what he or she wants before beginning to tell what you want

Knowing you have heard and understood what your partner wants is a good beginning and calms the mood.

Then tell your partner what you want in as specific a manner as you can, using only the words needed to explain. Be curious, not furious.

Think about why it is that your partner wants something and ask, "Can you say more about that so I can understand better?"

7. Share your feelings about what happened, as well as the events of your day

"My boss told me I did a good job today, and I have been feeling a bit discouraged about my performance, so his words made me feel better!"

Or "It was a tough day today with the baby's cold. It's hard when I don't know what to do to make her happier."

Or, "It's hard to get up and go out on these cold days, but it warms me to think I am doing this for my family."

8. Make plans for fun as a surprise, or plan with your partner

Fun together is an important part of your relationship. Invite friends to do something with you, play games, or go for a walk and hold hands.

Go dancing like when you were dating, or plan a future trip to a place you both dream about.

Make your fun fit your reality in terms of time and money—imagination is important.

If you practice even some of these tips, your relationship is bound to improve. You don't have to tell your partner about it, and don't expect him/her to notice the changes when you begin. Changes take time.

Just make it happen! It surely works for me when I want to spark up my marriage.

RELATED: What Do Women Really Want When They Ask Men To Be Romantic?

Colene Sawyer Schlaepfer is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 30 years of experience, Learn more at her website.