The Honeymoon Phase Ended: 5 Ways You Can Keep the Spark Alive
The honeymoon phase naturally occurs during the first six months of a relationship. New couples get high, in a sense, on two of the ‘feel good’ chemicals we produce in our bodies. The influx of serotonin and oxytocin contributes to the thrill of falling in love. Let’s face it, newfound love can be addicting.
But when the honeymoon phase reaches its peak, both partners are forced to face the ultimate challenge — discovering if they can maintain the spark in their partnership. We compiled a list of the top five ways to keep the spark alive, allowing those butterflies to stick around forever.
1. Engage in Deep Conversation
When a relationship is held together by physical attraction and superficial banter alone, the chances of success are slim. When you are communicative, however, the love you share is capable of withstanding the most daunting problems and trying times.
Engaging in meaningful, deep conversations with your partner can help the flame stay ignited. Baring your soul and sharing your innermost secrets will encourage your loved one to follow suit.
2. Turn Off Your Cellphones
The world isn’t going to end if you turn your cellphone off for one hour. You and your partner can choose a set time to do this every day. Technology can be distracting — if your girlfriend is telling you about her day while you’re scrolling through your Twitter feed, she will feel less important and unheard.
This hour is devoted to strengthening your relationship. Together, you can decide how you want to spend your 60 minutes. Maybe you’ll snuggle up on the couch with two glasses of wine and watch a good movie.
3. Money Can’t Buy Love, But Small Gifts Come Close
Money can’t buy love, as The Beatles once said, but small gifts show your partner you’ve been thinking about them. When your girlfriend's having a hectic week, it would be a sweet gesture for you to send a bouquet of flowers to her office.
Surprising your significant other with small presents is a sure-fire way to keep the romance flowing. When your girlfriend receives her surprise flowers, she is likely to reciprocate with her own thoughtful gesture. She might notice you’re running low on your favorite cologne and surprise you with a new bottle.
4. Turn the Heat Up in the Bedroom
While a relationship shouldn’t revolve around sex, maintaining a healthy sex life does carry some importance. If things are getting a bit stale in the bedroom, you can make the first move by turning the heat up. There is nothing wrong with a couple who enjoys “vanilla” sex, but what about vanilla with a dash of rainbow sprinkles?
Talking about your preferences, what you like and what you don’t like, is a conversation worth having. This discussion can feel uncomfortable and awkward, but it will lead to a more satisfying sex life. If your partner doesn’t know what pleases you, how can he fulfill your sexual needs?
5. Exercise Together
Exercise releases endorphins, one of the ‘feel good’ chemicals. You have probably heard of the term 'runner’s high’, right? Exercising on a consistent basis with your loved one can keep the spark ignited — the reasoning behind this is that your brain will release similar chemicals to the ones produced during the honeymoon phase.
Test out a variety of fitness activities until you find one you both enjoy. Couple’s hot yoga is a steamy, passionate flow of poses. You’ll burn calories, work up a sweat, and feel the euphoric rush of endorphins.
Whatever you decide, just know that you are working on improving your relationship. The greatest romances aren’t effortless — healthy long-lasting relationships require dedication and nurturing.