How to Make Your Summer Romance Last Through Your New Year's Kiss

Most relationship experts agree that the time you're most likely to get dumped is around the three-month mark - that's about the time the new-person thrill starts to wear off. (Sort of like that new car smell, or the elastic on a tube top.) That means, if your relationship started hot and heavy with the long days of summer, you've got to put a plan into action quick if you want to keep things steamy through the cold winter ahead. Below are some tips to turn your summer fling into the real thing:

Keep your summer fling red hot.
Want to crank up the intensity level on your romance? Wear something red when you go on a date. Color experts say red is the most stimulating of al the colors. Not only will wearing red will rev up your date's interest and arousal level, it's a rousing color that provokes a lot (a whole lot) of attention. Wear red, and every eye in the room will be n you. And nothing makes a guy sit up and pay attention l ike a whole bunch of other guys sitting up and paying attention.

A hot ticket.
Ease your relationship into the fall by making solid plans for October for a football game, a concert, or any event where you'll have to buy tickets in advance. (Events including sports, music or fried stuff on a stick are usually a safe bet...) The bonus here - you'll make the plans in summer while you're still a couple, and having concrete (and pre-paid) plans in the near future will keep the relationship from just drifting away like an abandoned water ski.

Sweet romance.
Studies show that men associate the scents of vanilla and cinnamon with love, so fortify your position in his mind by wearing a perfume with a hint of these scents. Other options, burn cinnamon or vanilla-scented candles when you're together, or toss some ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls in the oven for a cozy Sunday brunch. Cinnamon is the perfect scent to bring a summer romance into the fall because it's so prevalent in autumn -- think spiced apples and pumpkin pie. Be his cinnamon girl (or vanilla vixen) now, and by Thanksgiving, he won't be able to get you off his mind.

Don't turn up the heat on your summer flame.
Don't panic just because the summer is ending, and start putting the pressure on your guy for a commitment. Part of the appeal of a summer relationship is the relaxed attitude, so if you start turning up the heat the minute autumn hits, the weather won't be the only thing that chills. The best strategy is to enjoy what you have now without focusing too much on the future. Think of your summer romance like you would a vacation -- you're not going to enjoy basking on the beach marinating your liver in Mai Tais if your entire focus is on getting back to work. The same is true of summer flings. Relax, and savor every single moment. If you're lucky you'll get an extended love vacation.

Look for an Indian Summer.
Will the summer thrill burn strong after Labor Day? Check his body language for signs he wants to stay together. Is he using language, gestures or body positions that mirror yours? Is his heart (his chest) facing yours front-on? Does he lean in a little when he talks to you? Is he dropping hints about the future? (Even next month counts as the future at this point...) These are strong signals he's feeling the same way you are, and a good indicator your summer love could be endless love.

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