But here’s the thing: keeping love alive isn’t about buying fancy gifts or planning extravagant weekends. It’s about the small stuff. The kind of stuff that makes everyday life feel a little more fun, even when you’re exhausted. So, if things are feeling a little “meh” in the romance department, here are some real-life ways to fix that.
Put your phone down (seriously, just for a little bit)
Have you ever been “spending time together” but both of you are glued to your screens? It happens. But if you want to feel closer, try putting the phone away for a bit. Even just an hour. Talk, sit together, or, I don’t know, actually make eye contact? Feels weird at first, but trust me, it works.
Stop assuming they “just know” how you feel
Maybe they do know you love and appreciate them, but guess what? It’s still nice to hear it. A random “You’re awesome” or “Thanks for putting up with my nonsense” goes a long way. Nobody gets tired of feeling valued.
Keep dating (even if your idea of a date is sweatpants and takeout)
You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to keep the spark alive. You just need to be intentional. Go for a late-night drive, eat ice cream in the car, play a stupid board game—anything that breaks up the routine and reminds you that you actually like each other.
Surprise them (but keep it simple)
You don’t need to plan an elaborate surprise trip to Paris. Just do something small they won’t expect. Bring them coffee before they ask. Pick up their favorite snack on your way home. Write a ridiculous note and hide it in their bag. It’s not about the size of the gesture—it’s about the effort.
Laugh at dumb stuff together
One of the best things about being in a relationship? Having someone to laugh at life’s nonsense with. Whether it’s a funny meme, an inside joke, or just remembering something completely embarrassing from years ago—shared laughter makes everything feel lighter.
Don’t let stress steal your connection
When life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to take it out on the person closest to you. Try to be on the same team instead. Vent about work, complain about life, but do it together. Sometimes, just acknowledging that things are tough makes a huge difference.
Bring back the little things
Think about when you first started dating. Maybe you used to text them just to say something funny. Or leave notes. Or hug them randomly in the kitchen. Why stop? Those tiny things mattered then, and they still do now.
Be affectionate (even when you’re not in the mood)
Not every kiss has to lead to something more. Sometimes, just holding hands, leaning on them while you watch TV, or giving a quick hug for no reason makes all the difference. Physical touch reminds you that you’re more than just two people co-existing in the same space.
Try something new together
Routines are great, but they can also make things feel a little… predictable. Do something out of the ordinary. Take a class, try a new restaurant, swap playlists and listen to each other’s music (yes, even if their taste is questionable). New experiences make relationships feel fresh again.
Be a team, even in the boring moments
Romance isn’t all grand gestures. It’s also unloading the dishwasher without being asked. It’s picking up their dry cleaning. It’s handling life’s not-so-glamorous moments together. If you’re both putting in effort, even the everyday stuff feels less like a chore and more like a partnership.
Flirt like you just met
Who says flirting is only for the early days? Send a playful text, give them a ridiculous compliment, or tease them about something harmless. Flirting keeps things fun, and fun keeps things exciting.
Look at them like you used to
Remember when just seeing them made you feel all kinds of butterflies? It’s easy to forget that feeling after years together. But if you stop for a second and really look at them—how they laugh, how they talk, the little things that make them them—you might just feel that spark all over again.
Love lives in the little things
At the end of the day, keeping romance alive isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about showing up for each other in a million tiny ways. It’s in the way you say good morning, the way you remember their favorite snack, the way you choose kindness even when you’re tired. Love doesn’t fade—it just needs a little effort to stay bright.