Long-Term Relationship Tips

For anyone who has been in a long-term relationship, there is no single answer on how to keep the spark alive. When you first start dating someone, there is a mixed bag of emotions including butterflies, excitement, and a sense of mystery. As time goes on, your relationship transitions to long-term status, and the initial happiness of the "honeymoon" phase can wear off. Just because you've been with someone for what feels like forever doesn't mean the relationship has to become stale. Check out these 50 tips to help keep the romance well and strong for many more years to come.

1. Plan a date night.
2. Take a trip together.
3. Try a new hobby as a couple.
4. Go out on a double date.
5. Surprise your significant other.
6. Take some "me" time.
7. Communicate your feelings.
8. Discuss the future.
9. Support one another's dreams.
10. Don't go to bed angry.
11. Make a bucket list together.
12. Try something new in the bedroom.
13. Get a couple's massage.
14. Team up in the kitchen and cook a new recipe.
15. Do something to show your siginificant other you care.
16. Remind her she's beautiful or that he's handsome.
17. Be honest about your feelings on a hot-button topic.
18. Respect one another.
19. Sign up for a class together.
20. Don't hold on to past grudges.
21. Make time for friends and family.
22. Do something you've never done before together.
23. Take a breather when you're fighting so you don't say something you'll regret.
24. Joke around with each other. Laughing is good for the soul.
25. Put an equal amount of effort into the relationship.
26. Mix up your evening routine by playing a board game.
27. Reminisce about your first date.
28. Have more sex.
29. Talk about an issue you've been sweeping under the rug.
30. Take time to really listen.
31. Be patient with one another.
32. Make time for one another as a couple.
33. Plan a spontaneous getaway.
34. Write a romantic letter or note.
35. Make breakfast in bed.
36. Plan an amazing date night at home.
37. Do something special for your anniversary.
38. Say "I love you" more.
39. Clean the house together.
40. Flirt with one another.
41. Focus on the positives instead of the negatives in your relationship.
42. Unplug for a night. No TV, computers, or phones.
43. Don't sweat the small stuff.
44. Do something you're scared of together.
45. Show some PDA.
46. Encourage one another to take on new challenges.
47. Take a bubble bath together.
48. Dress up for a date night.
49. Read a book together and talk about it.
50. Never forget why you fell in love in the first place.