Ask any happy couple what their secret to a successful relationship is and they will probably tell you that it takes plenty of effort to get to where they are. But what does that even mean? What does it mean when they say it “takes effort”?
Well, for one, you can’t just sit at home on the couch, night after night, and expect your relationship to blossom. You can’t snap at each other, forget special occasions, be disloyal, and not communicate with your partner, and expect to have a happy and healthy relationship. That’s where effort comes in; you need to put in the work every day to keep the spark alive.
Contrary to what some people may tell you, it isn’t hard to do so—at all. If you love your partner and enjoy spending time together, there’s no reason why keeping the relationship alive should feel like hard work. Planning date night shouldn’t feel like a chore. Surprising your lover with a foot massage after work shouldn’t bother you. At the end of the day, you should feel happy doing things with and for your lover. If you don’t, then it may be time to rethink your relationship.
16 couple-things to do together
In case you’re stuck, here are 16 adorable things that you can do with your loved one to build intimacy, strengthen the relationship, and stay in love.
#1 Cook for each other. By now, you should know what your lover’s favorite meal is, so why not make it a point to learn how to make it? It doesn’t have to be perfect, as long as it’s edible. Your partner will appreciate the effort, especially if you’re not someone who’s usually in the kitchen. Even better, make an evening of it and cook a three-course meal together.
#2 Use pet names. Giving each other pet names is simply adorable. From the basic “honey” and “babe” to something more meaningful, it’s up to you what you want to call each other.
#3 Pick up a skill. It’s cute when couples learn something new together. From salsa dancing to cooking classes, do something fun, memorable, and beneficial together. A great idea is signing up for a couple’s massage course. Who wouldn’t want to date a licensed masseuse?
#4 Participate in a sport. The couple that works out together, stays together. By motivating each other to stay fit, healthy, and hot, you’ll sweat it out instead of parking your ass on the couch. Instead of being boring gym buddies, participate in an outdoor sport together. Rock climbing, hiking, and biking are great examples.
#5 Establish date night. Pick at least one day a week and dedicate it to date night. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant. Even staying home and ordering takeout counts, as long as you spend that time together.
#6 Have a naked day. Everyday is naked day at my house, but of course, it’s up to you how often you want to implement this. You’ve already seen each other naked and feel comfortable with one another, so implementing a whole day, evening, or night dedicated to hanging out sans clothes is definitely something fun to do. Don’t feel comfortable with your body? Refer to point #4.
#7 Take an impromptu trip. Taking vacations is super important in a relationship, but why not spice it up a little and head off on an impromptu trip? You can also surprise your partner by leaving them a mysterious note saying, “Pack your bags for the weekend and meet me at the train station at 6pm. Don’t be late.”
#8 Organize a “staycation.” Book a weekend stay at a lovely hotel and roll around in bed all day and night, order room service, enjoy a night out on the town, and don’t worry about driving home after a drink or two.
#9 Dress each other for a week. I did this with my partner and was surprised at how fun it was. We were challenged to dress each other for a week and we did just that. He picked out what I had to wear and vice versa. It lets your partner know that you care and trust them enough to dress you without making a fool of you.
#10 Indulge in surprises. Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat your lover. Buy little gifts, put chocolates on the pillow, or dedicate a love song to them on the radio. Surprises are adorable and will be greatly appreciated.
#11 Have a spa day. Pick a free day and spend it pampering each other at home. Massage one another, take a bath together, put on a face mask, give him a pedicure, give her a foot rub, and make love whenever you feel like it.
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#12 Go skinny dipping. Whether you head to a naked beach for this or decide to privately do it at a nearby lake in the middle of the night, skinny dipping isn’t just for teenagers looking for a thrill.