Your relationship needs THIS to thrive

They say variety is the spice of life. But it's also the spice of relationships.

Infusing variety into your relationship keeps it fresh and exciting.

Remember the so-called honeymoon stage? You know, the one where you and your partner were getting to know each other and every date seemed like a new adventure?

Neither of you had to put much effort into the relationship, your hormones were raging, and any flaws were as yet undiscovered. It's as if you were floating on cloud nine.

However, as time passed, the intense passion gave way to a calmer, more mature phase where you weren't all about jumping each other's bones. You grew accustomed to and comfortable around one another. Your foibles were put on your display and your relationship was tested in a number of ways.

If you managed to weather such storms and opted to stay together in spite of all the negative qualities about each other that came to light, there's no question that the two of you share a deep, abiding love.

However, just like a car, a relationship needs maintenance. Once you're well past the honeymoon stage, you must invest time and effort to keep the relationship exciting. Otherwise, you'll fall into a routine and risk growing bored of one another.

The surest way to keep it exciting is by adding variety. Travel to an exciting new destination every year. Check out new restaurants around town. Surprise each other with little notes and gifts like you did when you first got together. Learn a new skill together, or work on new projects around the house.

The reason the honeymoon stage seemed so exhilarating is because you were doing things together for the first time. The good news is that even if you've been together for a month, a year, or 20 years, you can still aim for novel pursuits and experiences.

There's nothing wrong with being comfortable in the relationship, as it's to be expected when two people have been together for a while. But becoming a little too comfortable -- complacent, if you will -- can lead one or both partners to feel bored, dissatisfied, and/or taken for granted.

Again, both partners should make a conscious effort to enrich the relationship with unexpected surprises and experiences. Being spontaneous and unpredictable can go a long way toward making your partner itch for more, which enhances the relationship in a huge way.

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