Human relationships is one of the biggest challenges we face. They want constant effort. Nothing is preserved if left to its own devices.

People who come to stay are a really important presence in our lives. Long-term relationships, however, hide an important trap: Habit. In a daily life filled with obligations and stress, it’s easy to take the people around us for granted and unconsciously stop trying to connect with them. Unfortunately, this leads to a dull routine.

This is a common cohabitation pitfall. Seeing each other every day, knowing that sooner or later they will come home, you and your partner can get stuck in a boring routine.

What happens when you get there? Is the relationship doomed or just in need of a boost?

Claire Byrne, aka The Heartbreak Coach, argues in an article on Poosh that before you turn to what might be wrong in the relationship, you need to look at yourself. No one can be happy in a relationship if they are not satisfied with their personal development.

Therefore, it invites you to ask yourself the following:

  • Are you and your partner satisfied with your lives independently of each other?
  • Do you have quality friendships separate from each other?
  • Does everyone have their own hobbies?
  • Do you have a sense of purpose in the world, whether it’s your work or something else?
  • Are each of you financially independent?
  • Do you both care about your physical health?

This last question may seem irrelevant, but creating a complete life—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually- greatly affects our romantic relationships.

Of course, all this doesn’t mean that your life has to be perfect for your relationship to go well, but when something is incomplete inside you, it can also affect your relationships with others.

So, if the answer is negative to any of the above questions, perhaps the first thing you should do is take care of this gap.

When you feel that you have returned to a desired path of development individually, then you can try various things together with your partner, which can rekindle the relationship:

1. Plan a date night in advance

Plan to meet somewhere after work so you’re not tempted to just go home for another same night. Go to your favorite restaurant or try a new one. Talk about your day, your thoughts and dreams and make plans together.

2. Prioritize your sex life

Prioritize sex. Life can be boring at times and we all get stuck – even in the best of relationships. As important as it is to talk things out and share what’s on your mind with each other, physical contact between you will definitely keep things less boring. You’re heating up the climate. Buy new underwear or do something that you think will turn your partner on, as long as you feel good about it.

3. Plan a double date

Single dates are essential, but double dates have another grace. Having fun with friends is always welcome, and interacting with other couples who are probably in a similar phase to you can remind you that some things are common and normal, and that you may be giving them more value than they really are.

4. Make separate plans

Enjoy being away from each other for an evening or two a week. The healthiest and happiest relationships need some space from time to time. Remembering what it’s like to crave time with your partner will definitely help break up the boredom. Go out with your friends or start an activity without your partner.

5. Choose an activity that you both enjoy

Maybe you could take a cooking class or take dance lessons. See what’s nearby, in the neighborhood, and ask your partner to try it together if it piques his own curiosity or imagination.

Joint activities are important, because they cause fun and connection between partners. There is, however, plenty you can do without feeling pressured to necessarily come up with something creative to make you feel better together.

Also, don’t forget that there’s still beauty in being so comfortable with each other that you can coexist without necessarily doing anything creative or even without doing anything together.