Two Day Magazine

In the End, It's All About the Love

Relationships can be hard, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. Building a life with someone you love is challenging, exciting and downright exhausting, at times. Here are some great ideas to help you become the kind of partner that you have always wanted to have. Remember, in order to receive, one must be willing to give.

It’s the Little Things That Matter

Doesn’t it feel great to come home to a clean house? How about to a home-cooked meal? Who doesn’t love it when they get in the car to find the gas tank has already been filled up, or someone remembered to pick up bread on the way home? Think of the little things that we do for one another like building bricks for a house. Each one builds the house bigger, stronger, and makes the home more secure. Every time you do something small for your lover, something mundane, something that will make them have to work a little less, you are adding a brick to that home. In return, your lover may start to notice all the nice things you are doing and thereby reciprocate. This isn’t about being a doormat for someone. This is about showing that you are thinking about them and want to make their life a little brighter every day. Thoughtfulness goes a long way, and appreciating your partner keeps the fire burning bright.

‘Just Because’ Gifts

No, it isn’t your birthday. Nope, not our anniversary, either. I just thought you needed some flowers, or chocolates, or a new book, or a piece of jewelry, or something for the car...you get the idea. This isn’t about spending a lot of money. This is about reminding them that they are your lover and the romance is still in the air. Leave them little love notes or a special card that you thought they may love. Sometimes, as a relationship matures and grows, we forget the beginning stages of love and how enjoyable it is to be ‘courted’. And, since this is 2010, there is nothing wrong with courting each other. This is not gender specific, so indulge one another when you can.

Open and Honest Communication

It isn’t about “talking about your feelings” for hours and hours. This is about being open to discussing anything and everything, to being honest about where you are in the relationship, and knowing that you are both evolving creatures of the universe and you deserve love and tranquility in your relationship. The best way to achieve this is to be friends with one another, respect one another as people and to just enjoy your time together. There is always something positive to focus on, so don’t waste your energy on the little petty stuff. Talk it out and move on from it. The drama doesn’t matter and it isn’t worth the stress and anxiety. Only the love matters.

It’s Okay to Be Apart From Time to Time

Once again, when in a relationship, it is easy to get into a funk where you are doing everything together, not necessarily because you want to, but because you become unintentionally codependent. It is important to nurture other relationships in your life, as well, so that when you are with your lover, you truly appreciate one another and the time you have together becomes important. It’s good to have friends, it’s good to have a life outside of each other. Spend time with family, enjoy alone time, and you will find yourself refreshed and reenergized for your lover.

Sex is Frequent and Fun!

We all have reasons not to have sex with our partner. You’re tired, you’re stressed, you’re overworked, you’re overwhelmed, you’re bored. Whatever the excuse, you have to start carving out time to be intimate together.  Buy her some sexy, flirty lingerie if you think it will inspire her. Buy him a naughty movie or a new toy that you want to show him. Whatever you are into, try introducing something new and fun into your sex life to peak their interest. Or, if that is not your cup of tea, just light some candles, get into bed, and enjoy some much needed alone time with your lover. By reconnecting, reaffirming and reestablishing your physical connection with one another, you will find your relationship bloom before you like a beautiful rose. Enjoy each other, embrace your lover. What else are we here for if not to love?