Portrayed in films and art, romance has been at the heart of every love story. From small gestures of chivalry to daring love declarations, our concept of romance has been shaped and defined by the ages. However, in modern society romance seems to be lacking more than ever before, especially in marriages. Marriages seem to be defined by “to-do” lists, work and home responsibilities and romance withers away. But what is romance within marriage and how do we keep it going?

Romance can be said to be the glue that keeps couples together; it is the flame that keeps the connection and passion within the marriage alive. Often times with work, busy schedules and children couples find it hard to dedicate time for romance.

After years in a relationship or a marriage it is not uncommon for the romance and excitement of the relationship to decrease. Marriage partners often feel neglected, however a little effort can go a log way in bringing back the spark  of romance that you once enjoyed in your relationship. Long term success in a relationship requires work, and romance is one of the many aspects of a relationship couples need to work at and on continuous basis. Romance is the vital fuel that keeps a relationship moving forward and keeps the relationship lively, exciting and meaningful. Romance validates that your spouse feels important and makes you feel important to your spouse. Thus, it is important not to let the mundane everyday responsibilities chip away at the importance of romance in your relationship.

Now that you know the importance of romance in a relationship, here are some ways to include romance in your relationship and get that spark back in your marriage:

1. Plan Date Nights

Plan dates nights, dates and one on one time is important for a relationship. It is important to dedicate adult time as a couple possibly once a week.  This is your time away from the children and away from everyday responsibilities. Dates is an important time to catch up on what is going on in your daily activities, have unhindered and uninterrupted communication and spending quality time with one another.  Date nights are also good platforms to discuss and resolve items that need to be addressed in terms of what is important to your partner and prioritising those items during the course of the week.

2. Spontaneous Flirting

A spontaneous call or message can just be the romantic gesture to let you know that your significant other is thinking of you, and in the age of technology flirting on the phone can be a great exercise to continue on even when you get home or with busy schedules. Many marriage partners feel that flirting stops after they walk down the aisle. Use those date nights to talk about what your partner would prefer and keep those flirty messages or gestures going.

3. Communicate about what Happens in the Bedroom

As a couple you may fall into the trap of going through the steps and motions just to get the job done and this can be damaging to your romantic relationship; intimacy becomes a mundane task. Once again communication in a relationship is absolute key. Talk to your partner about what their preferences are and with both consenting adults try changing things up in the bedroom.

4. Participate in a Common Hobby

There is no greater way to bring people together that in common interest. Research a new hobby, sport or challenge that is new for both of you and peaks your interest. Common hobbies can be exercising together ,doing a puzzle together, doing couples yoga and even cooking dinner together.

5. Gifts and Gestures

Surprising each other with small gifts and gestures, they don’t have to be big or flashy .It can be  a small  note in their work bag, or a surprise lunch delivered to their office. Any small  gesture that can say “I am thinking of you”

6. Tell you partner you love them

You know the saying actions speak louder than words, well that may be true, but in some instances words are all we need , telling your partner and not just showing you love them is important. Everyone wants to be reminded that they are loved .