Cultivate Romance in your Relationship Today
What we'll cover today:
Understanding the Evolving Nature of Romance in Relationships
Prioritising Romance in Your Relationship
Creative Ways to Rekindle Romance in Relationships
Coping with Challenges and Roadblocks
Imagine a roaring fireplace. That's how we often visualise romance in the early stages of our relationships.
Maintaining this vibrant flame in long-term relationships can be challenging, especially for professional women in their 30s and 40s with demanding careers and family commitments.
But it's completely normal, and rest assured, there are plenty of ways to reignite the spark.
Understanding the Evolving Nature of Romance in Relationships
As a relationship expert, and as a romantic person in general, I've spent countless hours discussing, analysing, and understanding the intricacies of love.
One thing has become abundantly clear: relationships, much like the individuals in them, evolve.
This evolution is a natural, even beautiful part of sharing your life with another person.
The infatuation and intense passion often associated with the early stages of a relationship, commonly known as the "honeymoon phase," are thrilling, right?!
It’s a period characterised by a lot of firsts - first date, first kiss, first time saying "I love you”…
Every conversation, every shared laugh, and every stolen glance feels electric and exhilarating.
But as time goes by, these feelings of infatuation may start to simmer down. As your relationship moves past its infancy, it begins to mature, making way for a deeper, more profound connection.
This transition from passionate love to compassionate love is a common development in long-term relationships.
Compassionate love
Compassionate love, characterised by mutual respect, affection, and deep-seated love, isn't necessarily less fulfilling than passionate love.
On the contrary, it's often more sustainable and rewarding, offering a sense of comfort, security, and companionship that only time can cultivate.
This evolution doesn't mean the end of romance; it just suggests that the expression of love and romance might change.
The spontaneous surprises might become less frequent, replaced by a meaningful understanding of your partner's likes and dislikes.
The late-night conversations might become less about getting to know each other and more about supporting each other's dreams and aspirations.
The physical intimacy might not be as exploratory as it once was, but it becomes more profound and connecting.
Understanding this evolving nature of romance is key to maintaining a healthy long-term relationship.
Your Relationship Romance Isn’t Lost
It's important not to mistake the transition from passionate love to compassionate love as a decline in love. Instead, it's an indication of your relationship's growth and maturity.
Navigating this evolution can be a challenging part of your longterm relationship. You might long for the 'good old days' of early passion and romance.
If that's the case, remember that it's entirely possible (and healthy!) to inject passion back into your relationship. More on that soon.
At the same time, I encourage you to still appreciate the deep connection that compassionate love offers.
Just as you grow as individuals, grow together as a couple, embracing each stage of your relationship with open hearts and minds.
Ultimately, the evolution of romance in a longterm relationship is a testament to its strength and resilience.
It's about two people growing together, learning about each other, and continually choosing each other, every day.
Understanding and appreciating this evolving nature of romance can lead to a fulfilling, long-lasting relationship.
Prioritising Romance in Your Relationship
Amidst career, family life, and personal commitments, it's crucial to still make your relationship a priority.
You want to keep the relationship romance going right? The question is, how do you juggle all those balls?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you. In the next section, I’ll go through 6 creative yet practical tips to help you with rekindling the flame.
Before we even go there, remember that taking care of yourself is vital! As relationship therapist Esther Perel wisely says,
"The relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have."
Relationship Exercise
Start by setting aside one hour a week dedicated solely to your relationship. Mark it on your calendar and make it sacred.
What you do during this hour is up to you, but ensure it’s something that brings you closer as a couple.
Creative Ways to Rekindle Romance in Relationships
Ready for some fun? Let's reignite the flame!
Your definition of romance may be different from your friend’s or family’s definition. For many women though, desire plays an important role in igniting and maintaining romance.
I found Lisa Marie Rankin articulated rather well that desire requires novelty, separateness, uncertainty, and primitivity (Human Parts | Medium).
“Desire requires novelty, separateness, uncertainty, and primitivity”
If you were looking for a cheat sheet or a concise guide on how to keep the spark alive in your long-term relationship, there it is.
- Regular date nights
Consider how consistent date nights can improve your relationship. Whether it's a fancy dinner or a picnic in the park, quality time together counts for a lot.
This is particularly relevant for those of you who don’t naturally get a lot of quality time together. There’s no judgement here, it’s so easy for work, kids and a myriad of other obligations to get in the way of romance in your relationship.
If you’re Melbourne based and need some inspiration, check out this Date Ideas list by Sitchu.
- Novelty / Surprise elements
To meet the need for novelty in the desire equation, try adding something unexpected to your daily routine.
A surprise date night perhaps? Or a loving note on the coffee machine that your partner will see when they wake up…
It can even be as elaborate as planning a surprise weekend getaway. Be sure to adapt the surprise elements to suit your unique relationship and your partner’s personality.
I personally am not usually big on surprises, but a cute note or a little personal gift just because it made them think of me… that I can get behind.
- Shared experiences and adventures for lasting memories
Shared experiences and adventures are powerful tools to create lasting memories and deeper bonds in a relationship.
They're opportunities to grow together, learn more about each other, and ultimately, keep the flame alive.
When you engage in new activities together, you step out of your comfort zones and embark on a shared journey of discovery.
This can be anything from trying a new cuisine, taking a dance class, visiting a new city or country, or hiking up a mountain.
When you both navigate through a new experience, you see aspects of your partner that you may not have noticed before. You learn about their reactions, their adaptability, their strengths, and their vulnerabilities.
This deeper understanding can strengthen your relationship connection and foster empathy and appreciation.
However, it's important to choose experiences that both you and your partner are interested in.
Remember, it's not about the grandeur of the activity; it's about the quality time spent and the memories made.
Even simple shared experiences like building a piece of furniture together or starting a garden can have a profound impact on your relationship.
So, start exploring and creating shared memories. This ongoing adventure can keep the relationship romance alive and thriving.
- Intimate Conversations: Deepening Emotional Connection Through Communication
Intimate conversations can be the cornerstone of deep, meaningful relationships. They go beyond everyday chit-chat, delving into emotions, hopes, fears, and dreams.
Exploring such topics not only deepens your understanding of your partner's inner world but also strengthens your emotional bond.
Creating a safe space for these conversations is key.
Active listening without judgment or distraction encourages openness and understanding. Although intimate conversations can occasionally be challenging, they can lead to mutual growth, healing, and a deeper bond.
So, embrace these discussions as vital tools for building a strong, emotionally connected relationship.
I dive much deeper into the topic of communication in my blog 6 Tips for mastering effective communication and nurturing a loving relationship.
- Speak Their Love Language
Have you ever heard of “Love Languages”?
Dr Gary Chapman's concept of the 'Five Love Languages' can be incredible at helping you to keep the spark alive and nurture romance in your relationship.
Chapman’s Five Love Languages are:
- Words of affirmation,
- Acts of service,
- Receiving gifts,
- Quality time,
- Physical touch
Take the time to understand the intricacies of your partner's love language and make an effort to speak it regularly.
- Physical intimacy
Speaking of physical touch, let’s explore the intimacy element a little further shall we?
When discussing physical intimacy, I can personally recommend diving into a fascinating concept developed by Jaiya Ma: the 'Erotic Blueprint.'
This is a map of sexual preferences, desires, and turn-ons that varies from person to person.
By exploring your own erotic blueprint and understanding your partner's, you gain valuable insights into what drives your mutual sexual satisfaction.
This isn't just about the act of sex itself, but also the emotional, psychological, and sensual aspects that comprise your sexual identity.
Understanding these blueprints can lead to increased satisfaction in your physical relationship and improved communication.
It allows both partners to express their needs and desires openly, fostering a deep sense of connection and mutual respect in your intimate relationship.
EXERCISE:
Take the Erotic Blueprint quiz together to discover your types and discuss your results.
Seek Help When Needed - Zoe West Coaching is here for you
There's no shame in seeking help. If you find it challenging to balance everything, consider talking to a professional who can provide guidance and resources.
Remember, making your relationship a priority doesn't mean neglecting yourself or your responsibilities!
It's about making a conscious effort to nurture your connection amidst the demands of life.
You matter and your relationship to yourself sets the tone for how you show up in romantic relationships.
So take care of your relationship as attentively as you would take care of anything else that matters to you."
Coping with Challenges and Roadblocks
Even the strongest relationships face challenges.
Identifying and understanding these issues is the first step towards resolution.
Use strategies like open communication, building trust, and compromise to get through any challenges scar-free, foster growth, and further solidify your bond.
Getting professional support before things get really bad can truly make a difference. Coaches and counsellors aren’t just there for you in crisis, we can help you boost even an overall healthy relationship.
More helpful relationship resources
Esther Perel’s podcast series offers insightful discussions on common relationship challenges and ways to overcome them.
I’ll also be writing a whole article on navigating conflict soon, so keep your eyes out for that!
Celebrate your Love
Remember, rekindling the flame in long-term relationships is about more than just one-off gestures; it's about continuous effort, patience, and creativity.
Let’s recap the main points covered today:
- Understanding the evolving nature of romance,
- Prioritising your relationship,
- Exploring new ways to connect,
- Dealing with challenges head-on,
- Fostering personal growth
These are all essential steps to a deeper, more vibrant relationship.
Your love story continues to unfold, so here's to writing exciting new chapters together.
Now it's your turn. Take these suggestions, try them out for yourself, and remember to nurture your relationship every day!
Make your love story the greatest one ever told.
