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Romance is thought to be something reserved for the honeymoon phase of a relationship, which eventually fades with time. The thing is, romance in long term relationships isn’t just possible – it’s key. When maintained, romance becomes the glue that holds couples together from season to season in their life. This blog dispels the myth, and suggests how to reignite the passion in enduring love, in practical, emotionally meaningful ways.

Debunking the Myth: Romance Fades After the Honeymoon Phase

To many, busy life and routine are the doomsday for a long-term relationship. Although the research shows that romantic effort does enhance emotional bonds in the short run, both research and experience suggest that putting in the effort to sustain those feelings in the long run just makes them stronger. There will be no more grand gestures of romance; only intentional ones. A morning kiss, a surprise dinner out, all of the little things do it when done on a repeated basis, are what will keep the story of true lasting love alive.

The Role of Intentionality in Sustaining Romance

Romance doesn't happen by itself: It’s not an accident, it’s something we intentionally decide to do. What that means is that the key to maintaining intimacy is choosing, each day, to nurture your physical and emotional connection. Some ideas:

• Stop planning dates just for one night, plan a month date night where phones are off and focus on each other.
  
  

• Leave short notes in your partner’s bag or lunch.
  
  

• Celebrate the small wins together.
  
  

Intentionality is what helps remind yourself that your relationship is worth the effort to maintain, and it prevents the relationship from going on autopilot.

Everyday Practices to Enhance Emotional Connection

A daily routine can work as a prominent emotional connection supply in relationships. Sharing morning tea, leaving the house to go for a walk after dinner, or spending a few moments checking in with each other as you go to bed can all help to remind you that you are a close couple. Other helpful habits include:

• One thing you found to be thankful for each other at the end of each day.
  
  

• Be present, put the phone down, and have eye contact with each other for a few minutes.
  
  

• May also include weekly “relationship check ins” where you both can reflect on what’s going well in the relationship and areas that you can both grow in together.

These micro-moments build trust and keep the emotional channels open.

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Romantic Gestures That Stand the Test of Time

While grand romantic gestures are fun and exciting, they’re not what keeps the flame burning long term. Some romantic gestures for couples that are never out of style are:

• Surprise love letters or texts.
  
  

• On a lazy Sunday, I had breakfast in bed.

• Creating a new version of your first date at your house.
  
  

• Keeping a shared photo journal of your journey together.
  
  

• A gift that a person can give to someone and that is thought out, and they have sensory appeal to it, a calming scent, a soft touch, a sweet taste.

Introducing novelty and sharing experiences can be a great way to infuse a relationship with these products such as HaveZNZ Mood Chocolates. It’s chocolates that are meant to uplift a mood and aid in connection, chock full (pun intended) of the right kind of levity.

Conclusion

Love doesn’t fade in just the first year it exists, romance is just an authentic glue to long-term love. It grows in successions, from grand gestures to meaningful rituals over time. You laugh, sharing a laugh, you surprise, sharing a note, you touch, sharing a touch. Romance is something that must be worked at, absolutely, but having to work at it puts bread on the table — it keeps us emotionally safe and secure, and keeps our desires nourished. Small, heartfelt moments are important because when couples do those, as small as they may seem, they remind each other that you still see them, you still value them, you still choose them. Romance isn’t lost over time; it’s neglected. With a little care, it can be reignited, over and over again, as the heartbeat of love that lasts.

Read More About: How to Keep Loving Each Other Through Life’s Transitions