Six Helpful Tips To Create a Vibrant, Exciting Relationship With Your Loved One

Every so often, it's a good idea to give your relationship a little tune-up. This will keep your relationship exciting and fresh. Sometimes the routine of day-to-day living takes its toll with couples. This is especially true if the relationship is a bit on the rocky side or if things seem to be getting into a rut. While It takes some work to maintain a healthy and happy relationship, most agree that the results are well worth the extra time you give to it. It can be said that the quality of a relationship determines our degree of happiness.

Help your relationship go the distance by following some of the tips and ideas listed below.. Keep your relationship fresh and alive with just a few minor changes. As you read through the following list you'll be able to see where you stand right now in your relationship and what elements may need changing.

A successful and healthy thriving relationship can be narrowed down to 6 main ingredients.

One of the best things about having a loved one who shares your interests is that you have a built-in playmate. You have someone to enjoy your life with. If this is something you lack in the relationship, it may be time for you to cultivate an interest in something your mate enjoys.

It's not about the activity itself, the important thing is to provide an opportunity for both of you to do something fun together. This time with one another can bring you closer together. Whether it's viewing a movie together, a game of cards or just a moonlit walk hand-in-hand the idea of being alone together brings a new energy and closeness to both of you.

May I have this dance?

Passion is important for a romantic relationship. Make time for physical interaction. Even simple actions such as holding hands when you go for a walk can get the adrenaline going. Or offer a back rub after a long day.

Hugging and touching can also make your heart beat faster. And when you give a hug - really give a hug. Hold on and embrace the other person for a full minute, or even longer. To get your passion purring, you have to put action and feeling into a hug. Hugging has been proven to heal and restore both physical and emotional problems.

One reason I loved living in Hawaii is the way hugging is shared by all as a way to say hello and goodbye. I wish other states and countries would do the same.

Empathy is a real and honest authentic desire to view the world through another person's eyes. It does not mean that you agree with the way someone sees things. Instead, it means that you take the time to listen. You try to understand and consider the other persons point of view. It is a form of validation.

Stop being so quick to give suggestions and solutions to the other person. People don't want their problems solved, they just want their concerns to be heard. Avoid defending yourself at all cost. Instead, reflect what the other person is saying.

To master the art of empathy, do the following:

• Be open-minded.
• Try not to take anything said, personally.
• Be an active listener.
• Allow the other person to finish his or her thoughts and sentences without interrupting.
• Be courteous and undemanding at all times.
• Realize that there is more than one way to see things.
• Be respectful of the other person.
• Avoid showing contempt for the other person's point of view.

Intimacy ~

When most people see the word intimacy, they immediately think of sex. But the type of intimacy that leads to happiness in a relationship isn't necessarily physical and therefore applies to platonic, loving relationships as well as romantic ones.

It means:

Letting your guard down and trusting that your loved one won't take advantage of you.

Being cozy, warm, friendly and comfortable.

Having a closeness that is not found in other relationships.

Sharing confidences that matter most in life.

Knowing what the other person's desire, fears, personal secrets and vulnerabilities are.

If your relationship is lacking intimacy, spend some time together alone each day. Simple romantic times together such as going for a walk, meeting for coffee, talking on the phone, or a picnic.

In a balanced relationshop both parties retain their own separte, individual identities. You may need to change the me part of the relationship to more of the we part. Balance is crucial to a successful, healthy relationship.

Examples of we activities are as follows:

• Working in the yard together.
• Going for a bike ride.
• Going to the movies together.
• Attending church together.
• Meeting others for dinner.

The bond of partnership grows stronger as you balance the me time with the we time.

While the words, "I love you" are valuable in any relationship, there is yet another phrase which is more powerful. The most important three words are "I am sorry." Phrases such as "I'm sorry I forgot about our anniversary" or "I'm sorry I hurt your feelings" shows that you accept responsibility for your own actions.

These words are the basis of all mature relationships. In order for your apology to be effective you may want to include these suggestions:

• Acknowledge the hurt or damage done.
• Include a statement of regret
• Take responsibility for the situation
• Ask for forgiveness
• Promise that it won't happen again
• When possible include a form of restitution

Even successful relationsnhips have their ups and downs. Go that extra mile for your partner. Treat her or him special. Learn to say "I love you" in a variety of ways. Show your love in your actions. Leave him an "I love you" sticky note on his bathroom mirror. Or leave her a box of chocolates on top of the stove (a cold stove). Get creative and have fun.