Long term strategies - dating and lasting love UK

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How do you maintain lasting love and make strategies to keep things fresh and alive.

You've gone and fallen in love and dating has suddenly turned into a relationship and somehow the butterflies in your stomach die down, the frisson of anticipation when your phone rings is gone and the urge to tell your best friend everything he said just isn't as strong.

Dating has become more routine than spine-tingling and you've got to do something about it.

If you've made it over the pot-holed road of first dates, shared experiences and embarrassing situations to a steady relationship you can't just let it stagnate: keeping love and dating special takes just as much effort as finding a date in the first place.

Try planning a mystery date. Let your other half know you've got something planned so they don't disappoint you by saying they've got to work late, but don't tell them where you're going or what you're going to do. Make all the arrangements so that all they have to do is show up. It can be a simple picnic in the park or a night away in a luxurious hotel, it's the fact that you made the effort to plan and organise it that makes the impact.

Surprise your mate with a delivery of flowers for no reason. Things that mean so much on Valentine's Day or a birthday make an even better impression when they're unexpected.

Leave a flower on her pillow, slip a token gift in her handbag or leave him a love note on the mirror in your best lipstick. Little things that cost no money can go a long way to keep your love and dating alive.

Another tactic is to employ a secret love code that only you and your date will understand. Agree on a gesture or sign that means 'I love you' without having to give a public display of affection - a scratch on the palm, a hand on the shoulder or a hand on the heart can then take on a whole new meaning.

For extra brownie points you could also arrange a date to do something you don't particularly enjoy but that your date adores, such as going to a football game, he or she will love you for it.

To keep you love and dating life alive, just put a little thought into what you do, don't take your partner or your relationship for granted and you'll make every day special.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Love and Dating