Every romance movie ever made makes it seem as if true love is filled with endless romance, but the truth is quite different. Romance, like other important aspects of your relationship, requires work. If the romance is dead in your relationship, try the following five tips to bring it back to life:

1. Don’t Miss the Details

Over time, it’s easy to fall into patterns with relationships. The strongest romance can give way to the predictability of our everyday routines. Bring the romance back by tuning into the little things in your relationships. Don’t miss out on the details like when your partner says, “I love you” before heading to work or texts you throughout the day just to check up with you. Though these small moments aren’t great declarations of love, these details help to reignite the romance in your overall relationship. 

2. Always Prioritize Communication

Though it may seem like romance and communication don’t have much in common, that couldn’t be further from the truth. While we’re inclined to believe red roses, wine, and thoughtful presents equate to romance, the true power of these actions and gifts lie in what your partner is communicating through them.

Oftentimes, the most romantic gesture is understanding another person and being understood. Before piling on the presents, use your words to bring romance back to life. Speak to your partner about any underlying issues, feelings, and expectations. This way, both of you will be on the same page and will feel closer to one another.

3. Reconnect with Touch

Another way to get the romance started is to use touch. It’s no secret that in long-term relationships, diminishing physical intimacy can become a problem. Whether it’s due to work-related responsibilities or feeling disconnected from one another, a lack of touch can kill the romance. Though sex is a huge factor in relationships, touch isn’t all about sex. 

Consider massages, holding hands, or hugging to bring the intimacy back. Finding little moments here and there to focus on this aspect of physical intimacy will help bring the romance back. 

4. Make Time to Date

Though many couples understand the importance of continuing to “date” their partners, life can make this hard to put into practice. Keep the romance alive by planning regular date nights throughout the month. Whether you go out once a week or a few times a month, making it a point to do something out of the ordinary with your partner will help you both reconnect.

Dates are more than an opportunity to escape from the house. They give you both something to look forward to, an activity to bond over, and the time and space you need to enjoy each other’s company one-on-one. Dates give you a chance to put your regular routine on pause as you fall in love with each other all over again. 

5. Spend Some Quality Time Alone

When the romance fades from a relationship, it may seem as though the best way to fix this is to spend as much time together as possible. While quality time together is important, couples shouldn’t spend every waking moment together. Finding ways to spend time apart is equally as important as prioritizing spending time together. Taking some time for yourself will help you center yourself, focus on your needs, and recognize how important your relationship is to you.

Spending time alone will give you the chance to recharge. Relax, work on your personal goals, and get to know yourself again. After spending quality time by yourself, you’ll feel even more excited to spend time with your partner again. 

No relationship is an endless stream of sunshine and roses, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sprinkle more romance in here and there. Keep these suggestions in mind as you aim to make romance more habitual. Don’t forget to join the Your Love Relationship mailing list for great ideas to keep your love alive!