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Too frequently when people have been living in a long term relationship they have a tendency to take each other for granted and become complacent and distant from the each other. This especially happens if a couple has children as the focus shifts from nurturing the relationship to taking care of the children's needs.

The way they treat each other sometimes changes. Courtesy, consideration, and manners take a back seat and disrespect, selfishness and rudeness take their place.

If you recognize any of these symptoms in your relationship, you need to get together with your partner and discuss how to alter the way you act towards each other, so you can put some spark into your routine.

It does not have to be hard work to keep your relationship alive. Simple things can make a big difference.

Start off by looking at yourselves in the mirror together. If you see two frumpy unkempt people standing there then you need to work on getting your desire to look attractive for each other back.

It is not necessary to go out and have a total make over. Just pay attention to your basic grooming and wear neat casual clothes that you feel comfortable in.

After you have tidied yourselves your self-esteem will be improved and your confidence increased. Now you are feeling better about yourselves you should be inspired to take steps to be nicer in the way you relate to each other. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

Doing chores around the house together is a great way to bond because you can chat about your day while the housework is getting done. Many hands make light work and it gets done in half the time, leaving you with spare time to spend relaxing together.

Once you are getting along better at home and are looking attractive for each other again, start planning on how you are going to fit dating into your time.

If you both have a busy work schedule use your lunch break to meet and have lunch with each other a few times a week or plan to have drinks or coffee after work for an hour or so.

Even though you are busy you should make an effort to spend quality time with each other. Set aside at least one or two days a month when you go out on a proper date. Mark the day in advance on your calendar and write it in your diary, organize a babysitter if you have children and have a definite plan for what you are going to do.

Put some romance and intimacy into your relationship by choosing picturesque secluded areas to go for picnics or have romantic walks on quiet beaches at sunset after you have had dinner at a romantic restaurant.

Hire a boat and go sailing for an afternoon or find a nice bed and breakfast in the country where you can spend a romantic evening without having to worry about getting your own breakfast in the morning.

You are only limited by your imagination. Some good ways to get ideas are to look at the entertainment pages in you local paper or get some travel brochures for your area and see what they recommend the tourists do for a good time.

The most important thing is to choose activities you both enjoy doing and are comfortable with, although sometimes you may need to compromise. If one of you wants to do something the other is not all that keen on, as long as it is not life threatening or distasteful try it out anyway. You may be surprised and find you enjoy yourself.

A relationship is an investment that should never be taken for granted. You should work on it every day even if it is only subtle displays of affection. Every little bit counts towards letting your partner know how much you appreciate them.

Learn more about this author, Blonde Rose.
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