Every relationship needs some special gestures and moments filled with love and affection. Our relationships bear the brunt of our stress. Hectic schedules, health issues, family and finance can take its toll on relationships. Does your relationship seem dull and staid? Take heart for there are a few simple things you can do to give your relationship the boost it needs.

1. Display affection. Give your partner a hug or a kiss. There need not be any reason behind this gesture. Just do it because you love them and want to show them that.

2. Do something crazy and romantic. Write your partner a love note and stuff it in his wallet or type in a memo on his cell phone or computer. Write a romantic poem for your love or get a banner or poster to declare your love. Crazy as it seems, rest assured it will add zing to your relationship.

3. Think of him. Sometimes couples tend to drift apart when they are immersed in work. Call your partner up at their workplace just to say "Hi". This gesture will let them know that you are thinking of them even when you are loaded with work.

4. Listen to your partner. When you have spats, listen to what the other person has to say. Listening goes a long way towards building a strong relationship. When you listen to your partner, they feel that they are respected and understood.

5. Respect each other’s opinions. Don’t take decisions by yourself. Remember it is not just one person who will be affected by a decision so both partners should be involved in decision making. Being left out of the decisions which affect one’s life is sure to spark resentment and frustration.

6. Let your partner know. When you have to travel or stay apart for a couple of days, call each other frequently and update each other about your day and activities. Let the other partner know that you miss them and wish for them to be back as soon as possible.

7. Refresh your memories. Think about the old times and the silly or romantic things you did. Talking about those times will keep memories fresh and remind you of the person you fell in love with although you may feel he or she is not the same anymore.

8. Talk with each other. Share your thoughts about everything ranging from your job, friends, family to your passions and dreams for the future. Shared dreams give a feeling of permanence to a relationship.

9. Help your partner. Sometimes the female partner is left to take care of household chores and cooking. Don’t overburden your partner. Offer to help with the chores even if you may be inept at it. The very desire to help shows your partner that you care.

10. Spend time together. Plan a picnic or visit a new place or go for a drive together. Whether you wear yourself out by talking or share comfortable silence the sense of togetherness works wonders for your relationship.

11. Cook his favorite meal. It is said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so ladies, go ahead and cook your partner’s favorite meal. Plan and prepare the menu well in advance. If possible, have the meal in candlelight. This applies for men too. There is no hard and fast rule which says cooking is confined to women. Most of the world’s great chefs are men. You can even cook together and create a great memory regardless of whether the food was good or awful.

12. Enjoy music together. It does not matter if both partners have different tastes in music. Play a record that contains both partners’ favorites.

13. Plan to dine out once in a while. If you feel too pressed for time, make a week day date. It need not necessarily be in the evenings. Just join your partner when he or she goes out for lunch.

14. Give gifts. Everyone loves to receive gifts. You do not need to wait for a birthday or anniversary to do this. Give gifts whenever you feel like it and watch that priceless smile on your partner’s face. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be appreciated. Small trinkets or handmade stuff make great gifts. Even a bunch of flowers makes one feel appreciated and cherished.

15. Say "I Love you" often. No one tires of hearing these three words over and over. Don’t just say it, mean it.

Jonathan Pitts

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