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Ever wonder how some relationships last for what seems like forever? How the couple seems to be just as much in love now as they were way back when? Is there some secret formula? How do some people manage to keep that spark alive after so many years being with the same person? Read on to discover how some folks keep a long term relationship vibrant and fun.

Cathy and Eddie Tackling from Connecticut, who are in their 11th year of marriage, gave the following advice for preventing a relationship from falling into the category of mundane and complacent.

Create surprises
Just as you did when your relationship was young, it's important to continue offering those thoughtful -just because- surprises that always brought a smile to your sweethearts face.

Send them a special card through the mail or place it next to their coffee cup in the morning. Place a single rose in the shower stall so they'll find it unexpectedly. Purchase a gift, and have it delivered to their place of employment. Leave a love note on the windshield of their car.

"Keeping the magic alive doesn't take a lot of effort," says Cathy. "You just need to use a little imagination."

Maintain the romance and affection
A common source of dissatisfaction for couples is the reality that the spark, once prominent at the beginning of the relationship, has been snuffed out somewhere along the way. Although they are still very much committed to each other, many couples don't give romance a second thought after a while.

"Cathy and I still sit so close on the couch there's hardly enough room to exhale without pressing up against each other," says Eddie. He recommends a moonlit stroll along the beach or an intimate walk through the woods.

Additionally, they each take turns planning blind dates with each other; right down to taking separate cars. Over dinner, they get to know each other all over again. And, just like most newly united couples do, they constantly hold hands. They both agree that physical contact creates an unspoken bond, and makes your partner feel special.

Keep the spontaneity alive
In the early stages of relationships we often think nothing of just acting on a whim. As years pass and responsibilities mound, we too often begin making excuses and forfeit our spontaneity.

"Eddie and I think nothing of throwing caution to the wind, and hitting the road with no real destination in mind. It doesn't really matter where we end up. The point is, spontaneity is revitalizing, and makes us feel like teenagers who's only

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