7 Ways to Boost Romance in Committed Relationships

It's no secret that long-term relationships tend to lose their luster. However, there are ways to return your relationship back to those early days of romance. Here's how:

Share fantasies. If you want to spice up your sex life and have your needs met in the bedroom, then speak up and share your fantasies with your spouse. You can also create a “fantasy box.” To do so, write down your fantasies on slips of paper, and then store them in a box in your boudoir. Whenever things get a little too routine in the bedroom, simply pull a piece of paper out of the fantasy box and act it out!

Improve your friendships. Go see the latest chick flick with your friends, and tell your partner to go do something with his pals as well. Couples need outside lives and interests — otherwise it's certain that they will wear on each other’s nerves! When you get bogged down in the roles of mother/father or wife/husband, you lose track of who you are when you and your partner first started dating. Return to those days by keeping up your own friendships and interests.

Get more sleep. Sounds simple, right? However, more sleep equals a better mood, more energy, and trimmer waistlines — all of which can add up to increased libidos! So, DVR The Late Show, put the kids to bed a little early, and cuddle with your spouse in bed. Extra shut-eye goes a long way. 

Don’t try to do it all. Find a way to save yourself time and energy. Maybe this means hiring a housekeeper, buying store-bought goods for your kid’s bake sale, or saying no to friends who ask too many favors. You might feel selfish at first, but you can’t take care of other people if you don’t take care of yourself first.

Try a new date. When you try something new (such as eating a new cuisine, seeing a burlesque show, etc.), you get a little boost of adrenaline and excitement that can spill over into the bedroom as well! So, on your next date, don’t go to the same old restaurant — get out of your comfort zone and push your boundaries!

Appreciate your partner. Thankful people are happy people — and thankful couples are happy couples. Appreciate one thing about your partner every day, and then speak up and let him hear how magnificent/handsome/thoughtful you think he is. And the good news? The more you appreciate him, the more he will appreciate you in return!

Put some effort into your appearance. It's not vain to want to look well-groomed — a pleasant appearance and positive self-esteem are instant happiness boosters…and libido enhancers! So, hit up the salon for a new 'do, buy some sexy new lingerie, or luxuriate in the bath and give yourself an at-home mani/pedi. Nothing amps up the libido like self-confidence!

Remember, romance isn’t something that happens organically. Most of the time, you have to work to keep your relationship exciting, fun, and passionate. Surprise your partner with romantic gestures, and keep your relationship fresh and spontaneous.