Once the honeymoon period is over in a relationship, we seem to stop trying to impress and surprise our partner. Dates are unheard of and the closest thing to it is Friday night with a DVD, along with his mates and you serving them beer. OK, so that's a little drastic but it's not far from reality. When kids come along, romance is long forgotten. Well, it shouldn't be. Your relationship ought to be at the top of the priority list.

Appreciate each other

It's important not to take our partner for granted. Just because they're helpful and generous now, doesn't mean it will continue into the future, especially if they see that their efforts are not appreciated. Show your partner that you are grateful for everything that they do, no matter how small. Even if it's just picking up dirty socks of the floor or keeping the backyard clean, doing homework with the kids. A gift, massage, a hug, to show them you care.

Date nights

Just because you've been together for years doesn't mean that you should forgot dating. Not with other people, with each other. Take one night a month and set it as your date night, last Friday of the month for example. Each month choose a destination, and just the two of you go and enjoy yourselves like you would have in the early days. Go to your favourite restaurant or try a new one, see that film you've been meaning to for ages, hire a hotel room or get rid of the children for the night, enjoy a candlelight meal together.

Be spontaneous

Monotony leads to boredom, and when boredom appears your relationship could be doomed. A time comes when you think you know everything about your partner as they do about you. This isn't always good, you want some surprise to be left even once you've been together for twenty years or more. Try new activities, reserve a holiday at the last minute, surprise your partner with a night out or pamper package at the day spa, or buy your loved one tickets to the races. Just the two of you at home, stop everything for a quicky, or when you're passing, pause for a kiss on the ear lobe.

Look after yourself

That goes for you and your partner. Keep yourself in shape and looking good and your partner is unlikely to look the other way. Yes, it is superficial but it's the truth. You looked after yourself when you first got together so why stop after a few years. It'll be good for both your health and your relationship. Better yet, take up a sport together. Start running, join a gym, go to a yoga or spinning class.

Leave each other notes

If you're the first one to leave for work and your partner is still in bed, leave them a little note in the bathroom. An 'I love you' on the mirror, a note in their purse or wallet, or a text message throughout the day that something special is awaiting them when they come home in the evening.

These little surprises will keep the romance alive in your relationship. Not enough? Aren't you a little greedy. OK, here goes. Organise a dirty weekend away, buy each other gifts - chocolates, flowers, underwear - are just a a few things, go on a date and pretend you don't know each other, make out like teenagers in the back of your car or cinema, give each other sexy vouchers they can use at any time of day or night, share a long smooch in public, most importantly give each other compliments regularly. Try one tip a week and your relationship will be blossoming all year long.

Learn more about this author, Katarzyna Radzka.
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