How to Find Love in Memories

Reignite your love after years together.

Keeping the spark alive in a long relationship is a challenge. It's natural, and even normal, for that spark to fizzle after years together. After all, those first-date butterflies are gone, and the reality of life, and its stresses, sets in. However, hope is not lost for your relationship. Reflecting on your love for each other can add some sizzle back to it. Discover ways to find love through memories.

Instructions

1. Recreate your first date. Memories of your first date will take you back to a different era, when you had those first-date jitters and didn't know if your date was "the one." If you live in the same city in which your first date took place, go to the same restaurant that you went to on that date. If you don't, recreate the event; for example, go to a movie or for a walk in the park. Have your husband pick you up just like he did all of those years ago. You'll enjoy reflecting on a simpler time in your relationship.

2. Pore through photos together. Pull out old photo albums or even family videos, and spend an evening going through them with your partner. These items will trigger memories that you have long forgotten. You'll reflect on some of your favorite times as a couple and even laugh about how young and naive you were. These memories from early in your relationship will remind you why you fell in love and will help rekindle the romance.

3. Recreate a romantic vacation. Think back to the most romantic vacation you had, whether it was a weekend getaway in the mountains or a week spent relaxing on a tropical island. Go on that vacation all over again to put the spark back in your relationship. If you can't afford to go to the same locale, then recreate something similar at home. An afternoon spent at a local resort's pool can take you back to that romantic tropical vacation.

4. Surprise your partner with a favorite thing from the past. If you gave her carnations on your first date, surprise her with a bouquet of carnations at work. She'll think back to the start of your relationship. If you first told him that you loved him at a concert, make him a CD of the artist's songs to reflect on that time when your love was just forming.

References

• West Coast Magazine; How to Add Spark to Your Relationship; February 2011
• Everyday Health; Simple Ways to Rekindle Your Romance; Regina B. Wheeler; June 2009