Reignite The Romance

Most couples in long-term relationships end up stuck in a rut at some time in their lives and forgetting how much romantic fun they used to have together. Here are some tips on things you can do together to bring back the fun and romance in your relationship.

At home

Having a family needn’t put an end to your romance – you can have plenty of fun together at home when the kids are tucked up in bed.

Rent some films and have a cosy night in watching them with a bottle of wine and box of chocs. Dim down the lights and pretend you’re in the back row of the cinema!

Buy some flowers and candles, put on some soothing music, decorate your dining room like a romantic restaurant and make a special meal for two – together. Cooking is much more fun when you share it, and you can enjoy a wee glass of wine or gin and tonic while you work.

On a nice long, summer night, prepare a picnic dinner with all the traditional romantic picnic treats (champagne, strawberries, biscuits and cheese) and eat it al fresco. Turn your garden into a picnic area, with rugs (and cushions to make you more comfy), garden candles and a parasol or gazebo for some privacy.

Have a games night. Dig out all your favourite board games – you might even want to invent your own saucy rules for them!

Simply ban television for the night. Put on some music and let the conversation flow.

Have a bath with some luxurious bath essences and oils, go to bed early and just cuddle.

Look out your old photos and have fun reminiscing about the young and carefree days of your relationship.

Days out

Couples often don’t spend much quality time together during the day and their social lives tend to revolve only around nights out. There are loads of fun things you can enjoy together during the day though. If you’ve got time to spare on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon or during the week, have a go at these:

Go to a matinee performance at the cinema or theatre – and you’ll still have the evening free to go out.

Take a trip into the countryside and go for a walk. It’s a wonderful feeling to get out into the open air where there’s noone else but the two of you around. If you’re not a keen walker, simply go for a drive and find a nice spot to park up and enjoy the views.

Buy or hire a picnic hamper if you don’t have one and make a traditional picnic. You don’t need to travel far to enjoy it – even just go to your local park or have it in your back garden.

Go to the zoo – remember how much fun you used to have there as a child!

Visit a museum or art gallery. It’ll give you both something to talk about.

Just lounge about in a coffee shop all afternoon enjoying cappuccinos and cakes in comfy sofas.

Find a hotel or health club near you that has a luxury gym, swimming pool, whirlpool and spa facilities for non-residents/non-members and pamper yourselves all day.

Have a day out at the races. Get dressed up and make an occasion of it (but agree on betting limits beforehand)!

Take a trip in a hot air balloon. Lots of companies offer such trips now and they’re very romantic.
If you and your partner are active types, arrange a day of outdoor activities and adventures such as quad biking, archery, abseiling or clay pigeon shooting.

If there’s a funfair near you, go along and get on some of the rides – and treat yourselves to some candyfloss!

Nights out

Try spending an evening together doing something a bit different now and again.

Get some tickets for the theatre and go for a pre-show dinner beforehand. Be adventurous – have you ever gone to a ballet or the opera for example? You might be surprised at how much you’d enjoy it.

Go ten-pin bowling. When was the last time you did that?

Have some drinks at the pub – but not your local. Find somewhere different where you can relax alone together and chat away all night. How about a quiet wine bar for a nice bottle of Chardonnay or even Champagne if you’re feeling extravagant?

Go to a gig – not necessarily a massive rock concert. Sometimes smaller gigs in intimate clubs and venues are much more fun. And try something a little out of the ordinary. If you’re not usually into rock music, why not break with tradition? You’re bound to have a lively night out. Likewise, if you’re not used to classical or jazz concerts, why not give one a try? Sometimes these can be very relaxing.

Find out what evening classes are on in your local area and choose one that you both have an interest in. You’re bound to find something that suits both your tastes – cookery, dancing, language, art or even keep fit.