March 9
Tips for Keeping the Romance Alive in Longterm Relationships
By Denise Humphrey, Ph.D., www.DeniseHumphrey.com
Intimate, romantic relationships can be one of the greatest sources of pleasure and personal satisfaction. As humans, we place tremendous value on our intimate, love relationships. When we are fortunate enough to have found the partnership we desire, the responsibility of nurturing that partnership and keeping the feelings of romance alive fall on the shoulders of both people.
Tips for Keeping Romance Alive
- Communication is Key. An open and honest line of communication is the greatest gift two people can give their relationship, each other and themselves. The ability to be feel secure in communicating our most vulnerable needs is essential and is also a two-way street — both individuals must give the other the space to communicate.
- Spend Time Together. While this may seem obvious, all too often we let life — work, kids’ schedules, fitness, chores, housework, and friends — get in the way of taking care of our relationship with our intimate partner. If we want our relationship to flourish, we need to give the relationship time. Schedule a regular date night and really pay attention to one another. Be sure date night is spent doing something both individuals enjoy equally.
- Be Affectionate. Affection is one of the greatest ways to express love, commitment and desire. Kiss each other regularly. Hold hands often. Sit together and cuddle on the sofa. Give neck and shoulder rubs. Demonstrate your love for one another through physical expressions.
- Be of Assistance. Intimate relationships are partnerships, and partners assist one another. Help one another with the dishes and with the yard work. Pay attention to the areas in your partners life where he or she needs assistance, and then step in and help without being asked. A “your problem is my problem too” attitude is a must in maintaining a sense of connection and trust.
- Renew Your Vows. Wedding vows and commitment vows are typically promises we hold sacred. Make a point of renewing these vows with your partner often. Whether it is a once a year on an anniversary, on Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion, remembering these sacred promises to each other is an important ritual in holding the relationship itself as a high priority.
Many people find couple’s counseling to be an important and vital component to maintaining a healthy connection with their spouse. Couple’s counseling is not just for couple’s who are experiencing challenges, but rather a resource for establishing and maintaining a relationship that can weather life’s challenges without threatening the relationship.
Denise Humphrey, Ph.D
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Humphrey today! 972-239-2490
CREDENTIALS
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology: Fielding Graduate University
• Master of Music in Piano Performance: University of Notre Dame
• Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance: Southern Methodist University
• License No. and State: 32345 Texas
• Board of Trustees, Dallas Foundation for Psychoanalysis
• Chair, Arts Committee for the Dallas Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology
• Member, National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
