When a couple embarks on a journey called marriage, there's always a promise of growing old together, of "till death do us part". Everything seems dreamy and perfect, and it feels like love is all around. What could possibly go wrong? Not even time can take away that magical feeling of being in love. Well, maybe not. Even with the magical feeling, the days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months. Months pass by, and turn into joyful years that every couple proudly celebrate with one anniversary to the next. Then the feeling of being secure and comfortable sets in, and we forget how exhilarating our love was.

Gone are the butterflies in our stomach that filled us with anticipation just by the mere thought of being with our love, and the excitement of intimacy is washed out into dull obligation. Unbeknownst to us, boredom came creeping in, and with it disappointment and discord. What a lot of couple often take for granted is this: keeping love fresh requires a great deal of effort. We think that when loving someone, it is enough to simply utter sweet nothings, or hug and kiss each other. Sadly, this is not always the case. Many couple who stayed together for quite a long time still ended up in divorce.

Why? Maybe because anybody can easily forget the things that made him/her fall in love with his/her partner when the magic is all but gone. In a relationship, it is very important to maintain the excitement and devotion. It does not require heavy machinery or a mother lode of cash-all it takes is doing things together as a couple. Even the usual, mundane activities that we try to avoid at all costs can actually nurture a relationship. One of the best things that one can do for the relationship is to arrange a date night. It is often impossible for couples to have "alone time", with the kids and all the daily obligations.

But, when a couple is able to agree on a date night, it means that they are both committed to spend quality time alone and is actually working on it! sharing the same interests doesn't have to take up a lot of your time-just by reading a book together can make you feel more connected to one another. Instead of spending hours in front of the TV, take turns reading aloud to each other. Just be sure that you are both interested in what you're reading. Going outdoors is an excellent way to give any relationship a breath of fresh air.

Go hiking on local parks and enjoy the beauty of nature. The change in environment can be soothing-don't forget to steal a few kisses here and there! When was the last time you took a trip together? Your honeymoon? Not good enough! Go on an adventure and travel someplace where you've always wanted to go and share the thrill of discovering this new place together. Or, you can go down memory lane and return to where you honeymooned. This can surely jog your memory of those sweet moments that you had that feels like a long time ago. Whatever you do and wherever you go, never forget to practice courtesy.

By being courteous to one's partner only shows that you love and value the person. Love alone cannot nurture the relationship-love and respect definitely can.

©2009 Ruth Purple

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