Before jumping into a relationship, a lot of guys imagine it’ll be all exciting and forever romantic. But, that initial honeymoon phase doesn’t stick around forever. As things start to cool off in the relationship, guys often find themselves facing some challenges.
If you’re in this situation, it can gets a bit tricky because you might start losing hope, not really sure how to bring back that initial excitement, and that can be a recipe for the relationship going downhill.
The thing is that it’s normal for the spark to fade in a relationship, but what keeps the relationship going is the dedication and effort from both sides.
It’s like teamwork, putting in the effort to revive that initial spark because of the love you both share, even when things get a bit routine and aren’t as thrilling as they used to be.
How to make your relationship stronger with your girlfriend
To make a relationship last with your girlfriend, it’s important to learn how to strengthen the connection and keep that spark alive. In this section, I’ll share some practical tips on how to achieve this and how to make your relationship with your girlfriend not boring.
1. Plan Date Nights together
This is a common pattern in many relationships nowadays. During the honeymoon phase, couples often plan and enjoy date nights, but as the relationship matures, this tends to decline, contributing to a fading spark.
I understand life gets busy, priorities shift, but that shouldn’t keep date nights from happening.
There’s always a way to balance everything without compromising your priorities or relationship. If you want to keep the romance alive with your girlfriend, make date nights a regular thing and they shouldn’t dwindle over time.
2. Listen to her when she speaks
One thing that can dim the spark in a relationship is not fully engaging when your girlfriend is talking. When your girlfriend shares something with you, out of respect for the relationship, put your phone away or pause what you’re doing and give her your full attention.
Some guys let their ego get in the way, thinking they’re superior to their girlfriend, perhaps because they cover the bills.
But in a relationship, there’s no hierarchy—partners are meant to tackle things together. Even if you handle the bills, it’s crucial to show respect to your woman.
3. Be Adventurous
Spicing up your relationship with your girlfriend by adding a bit of adventure can really bring in that excitement and freshness, keeping the spark alive.
When you try out new activities together, it not only creates shared memories but also strengthens the bond you share.
The key here is introducing an element of surprise.
Just picture surprising your girlfriend with a spontaneous weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the mountains. With no set plans, you both dive into different fun activities. The unpredictability of the trip would bring in a real sense of excitement and novelty to your relationship.
4. Spend Time Alone
Not carving out enough quality time alone with your girlfriend can really dampen the spark in your relationship. Those intimate moments foster emotional connection and understanding, crucial for keeping a strong bond.
I get it; the daily grind sometimes overshadows the need for focused attention on your girlfriend, leading to a sense of emotional distance.
But in a relationship, it’s all about finding that balance—juggling quality time together with the chaos of your daily life.
5. Surprise her with gifts often
Surprising your girlfriend with a thoughtful gift goes a long way in keeping the spark alive in your relationship. Whether it’s a small or big gesture, these thoughtful gifts show that you truly value and cherish her.
On a regular weekday for example; your girlfriend has been dealing with a stressful workload. Seeing her tired, you decide to surprise her.
On your way home, you stop by a flower shop and a store to get her her favorite kind of flower and chocolate. When you get home, you present the gift with a genuine smile, mentioning that you thought it might offer a delightful escape.
This surprise not only brings a spark of joy to her tired eyes but also shows your attentiveness to her needs and interests.
6. Kiss her in the forehead
Planting surprise kisses on your girlfriend’s forehead is such a simple yet powerful way to keep the spark alive in your relationship.
It’s a sweet gesture that communicates love, tenderness, and a sense of protection, reminding her of the affection you hold. The surprise element adds that extra layer of excitement, making her feel truly cherished and valued.
Imagine a calm evening at home after a hectic week. While she’s lost in a book or enjoying a movie, you seize a moment to surprise her. Silently approaching, you gently kiss her on the forehead, catching her off guard.
That unexpected tenderness makes her pause, and she looks up with a smile, touched by this spontaneous display of affection.
7. Cook a meal together
Cooking up a meal with your girlfriend can really strengthen your bond by diving into shared activities and fostering a sense of collaboration. The whole cooking process engages our senses—taste, smell, and touch—making the experience more enjoyable and intimate.
On a weekend, you and your girlfriend can decide to embark on a culinary adventure together. You pick out a new recipe, gather ingredients, and even playfully assign tasks to each other.
And as you chop veggies and she stirs the simmering sauce, laughter echoes in the kitchen. The aroma of the cooking food fills the air, creating a sensory-rich environment.
And when you finally sit down to savor the meal you’ve created, you’d realize that the strong emotional feelings during that time doesn’t just come from the flavors of the meal; it stems from the experience shared together.
8. Make sacrifices for her
Doing those little but meaningful things for your girlfriend can really keep the flame burning in your relationship. It’s all about making small sacrifices, like putting her comfort before your personal preference or taking time for what she needs.
Maybe she’s into a movie you’re not crazy about and she really wants to watch it during date night, or she has a favorite restaurant that’s not your top pick and she really wants to eat there— you should consider doing these things for her.
Relationships are built on sacrifices, but the key is not letting it eat away at you.
9. Try out a new hobby together
Trying out a new hobby with your girlfriend is a fantastic way to add a burst of energy to your relationship and keep that spark alive. It reignites the sense of curiosity and fun that initially brought you two together, serving as a catalyst for maintaining the vibrancy and dynamism of your romantic connection.
Whether you both decide to dive into the world of photography, or any other hobby together. You’d realize that after engaging in it, there’s going to be a sense of shared accomplishment and refreshment you both would feel towards each other, and that helps in making your relationship stronger with your girlfriend.
10. Get matching things together
Choosing matching things together, whether it’s outfits, accessories, or even customized items, is a great way to keep the spark alive in your relationship. When couples pick matching items, It reinforces the idea of “we” instead of “me,” building a deeper connection.
Let’s say you and your girlfriend are having a casual day out. Before leaving, you both decide to wear matching outfits. You’d realize that throughout the day, she’s always catching glimpses of you and having that look in her eyes that she wants to always be by your side.
I know some guys might find this a bit odd, but when you’re in love and in a relationship, getting matching things together is a sweet thing to do, and it helps in keeping the romance alive.
11. Participate in festivities together
Joining in on festivities with your girlfriend is crucial because it strengthens your connection and makes you both feel like you’re a team. It brings out positive vibes, and when you experience these moments together, those good feelings creates a memory you both can look back to, and it becomes a significant part of your relationship.
Take Halloween, for example. Imagine both of you in awesome costumes, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as you approach a spooky haunted house.
Once inside, the dimly lit corridors and unexpected scares lead to shared laughter and the comfort of each other’s company. The adrenaline rush from the spooky surprises creates a special bond, making the whole experience more thrilling than scary.
This might sound like an overdo, but trust me, it isn’t.
12. Always ask and respect her opinions on matters
Always asking for and respecting your girlfriend’s opinions isn’t just important for keeping the spark alive in your relationship; it’s about recognizing her individuality and ensuring decisions are jointly made together.
When you’re thinking of making a big change in your life or even just planning a weekend getaway to unwind, don’t go deciding everything on your own. Take the time to sit down together and discuss your options.
I know she’s not your wife (yet), but if you’ve been reading most of my piece and following along, you know I’m all about writing for guys in serious relationships, not those just in it for fun.
So, if your relationship is the real deal, and you’re keen on strengthening it and keeping that spark alive, always ask for and respect your girlfriend’s opinions. It makes a real difference.
13. Spend time apart
Yeah, you read that right. I know it might seem a bit surprising, but taking some time away from your girlfriend is actually crucial for maintaining the spark in your relationship. It’s healthy to have moments apart, like going on a trip with your friends or letting her enjoy an all-girls vacation.
Being in a relationship can be tough, and sticking with just one person for a long time isn’t always easy. Sometimes, you both need a break.
When you come back together, it feels like you’ve recharged yourselves for the journey ahead, and that sense of missing each other adds a special touch to your relationship.
CONCLUSION
In the journey of maintaining a thriving relationship, it’s crucial to recognize that while the initial spark may fade, dedication and effort from both partners keep the flame alive.
Through shared experiences, thoughtful gestures, and mutual respect, couples can navigate the ups and downs, ensuring their connection remains strong and vibrant.
So, embrace the adventure, cherish the moments, and let love guide the way towards a fulfilling and enduring bond with your girlfriend.
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Previously posted on Google Docs
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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From The Good Men Project on Medium
What Does Being in Love and Loving Someone Really Mean? | My 9-Year-Old Accidentally Explained Why His Mom Divorced Me | The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex | The Internal Struggle Men Battle in Silence |
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Photo credit: Jonathan Borba on Unsplash