13 Ways to Spice Up Even the Most Seasoned of Relationships
No matter how long you’ve been together, there comes a time when the relationship becomes a little…stale. Sometimes, the spark begins to fizzle out, but it’s not because of your lack of love for one another.
Eventually, you become complacent and comfortable in your relationship — which isn’t a bad thing! It simply means you’ve moved on from the passionate honeymoon phase and into the new, cozier stage. (You know, the one where a trip to the grocery store is the new “date night.”)
Keep the honeymoon phase alive with Relish, our relationship coaching app! Whether you want to your relationship or just keep things fresh, Relish has customized tips, advice, lessons, and more to fit your needs. Download the app and get started for free.
If you feel like your relationship could use a little “spicing up,” we’ve rounded up some ideas to “pepper” into your routine. Here are 13 ways to spice up even the most seasoned of relationships:
1. Travel Somewhere New Together
What better way to add some excitement to your relationship than to travel somewhere new? You’ll make new memories, explore new cultures, and experience new adventures together.
Sometimes, to keep things fresh, you have to get out of your comfort zone and escape the monotony of everyday life. It will bring you closer together, rekindle that once brightly-burning flame, and boost your attraction to each other.
2. Go Back to Old Favorites
How about a little walk down memory lane? Recreate your first date, visit a bar you used to frequent in the early days of dating, or revisit a past vacation spot.
When you relive your favorite memories and experiences, you’ll feel the excitement, passion, and romance all over again. Those old butterflies resurface, helping you reconnect and have fun like you used to!
3. Volunteer Together
This might not sound like the “sexiest” way to add some spice to your relationship, but it works! When you volunteer together, you learn more about one another and appreciate each other more.
When you help others in need together, you gain a better sense of what matters most to each of you while sharing an incredibly rewarding experience — which ultimately brings you closer.
4. Try New Food Together (Literally Adding New Spice!)
Research shows that couples who try new things together are happier! Why? New experiences help release dopamine into your brain (i.e., the “feel-good chemical”). When you experience those things with your partner, your brain links those positive feelings with them!
Pick out a new recipe neither of you has tried before and make it together. You’ll have fun, boost those dopamine levels, and reignite your spark.
5. Play Games Together (Both Fun and Sexy!)
Games are an inexpensive way to keep things fresh and entertaining. Get a few board games, play a classic like Twister, or challenge each other to a game of checkers or chess. (A little friendly competition never hurt!)
Of course, the game can be taken to the bedroom too! Indulge each other’s fantasies and try a little role-playing, or look up some other sexy bedroom games to play — maybe a round of sexy truth-or-dare? (Or maybe just dare!)
6. Show Your Vulnerable Side More Often
This includes having deep, open discussions with each other. (Seriously, dig deep!) What are your fears, worries, goals, dreams, and fantasies? Part of a healthy relationship built on honesty and mutual respect means you can say anything and everything to each other without fear of judgment.
When you share your innermost thoughts and feelings with each other, it brings you closer and boosts emotional intimacy. If you don’t feel like you can be vulnerable with each other, there may be some underlying issues in your relationship to address and work through.
Embracing your vulnerable side isn’t always easy, but the Relish relationship coaching app can help you through it. Learn more about communication and how to connect on a deeper level. Try your first 7 days for free!
7. Spend Time Apart
It’s not only healthy but necessary to spend time apart in romantic relationships. This means taking time for self-care and focusing on yourself and your own needs. When you create a healthier mindset for yourself, it puts you in a better mindset to take care of your relationship!
So, how much space do you need? It’s all about finding the right balance. The key is to allow enough space for each of you to grow individually without drifting too far apart as a couple. You need to establish healthy boundaries to ensure you don’t become too dependent on each other. After all, you can’t be happy in a relationship until you’re happy with yourself first.
8. Work Out Together
This is another way to get those endorphins flowing! Research also shows that working out with your partner helps strengthen your emotional bond and bolsters feelings of happiness.
Moreover, when you start a fitness routine together, you hold each other accountable and encourage each other to reach your goals. Not to mention, all that emotional bonding makes you even more attracted to each other!
9. Be More Touchy-Feely
This can be as simple as a quick kiss in the morning before work, or a playful smack on the butt when you walk by. If you’ve found that your flirtation level has dipped, try incorporating more “touchy-feely” acts into your daily routine, even if you’re not “in the mood” for it.
Here’s the reason: research shows that skin-to-skin contact triggers the release of certain hormones that boost pleasure and bonding. Give each other a hug after a long day, cuddle on the couch while watching a movie, or hold hands while walking down the street. Even the smallest feelings of touch can have a significant impact on your relationship.
10. Create a Bucket List Together
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that there is a correlation between sharing exciting activities and relationship satisfaction. It’s fun to think about what you and your partner want to do together, and it can actually deepen your bond and communication.
Make a list of any dreams, vacations, goals (big and small) that you want to achieve together. Not only is it fun to plan, but it also increases your level of emotional attachment.
11. Dance Together
When is the last time you and your partner danced together? Whether it’s in the kitchen or on the club dance floor, make it happen!
Dancing is flirtatious, fun, sexy, and exciting all at the same time. You’ll channel that steamy energy you had at the beginning of your relationship and fall in love all over again. In fact, many therapists recommend dancing as a way to reconnect!
12. Try Relish
Sometimes, trying to spice up your relationship can use a little outside help, and that’s where Relish comes into play. Relish is a relationship coaching app that creates unique, interactive lessons and activities designed to strengthen your relationship and bring you closer. You’re matched with the most helpful ones based on your specific needs, whether you just want to keep things fresh or need to work on fundamental issues.
No matter how you decide to spice up your relationship, remember to be completely open and honest about your needs. Everyone goes through a little rough patch every now and then, but when you’re both committed to adding a little extra “flair” to your relationship, you’ll be feeling extra spicy in no time!
Need some spicy date night ideas? Download Relish, our award-winning relationship coaching app! Get access to tips, lessons, advice, quizzes, and more. Your first week is free!
