Relationships are never straightforward. In the early days, it’s about understanding your partner’s needs and wants – and in the years that follow, it’s important to keep the spark alive to ensure you’re both content and on the same page.

You may have both reached the stage where you are worried if the spark still exists and how you can re-light it to ensure you grow together as a couple, rather than growing apart. In this instance, it’s best to act as soon as possible to remind you both of the reasons why you got together and that you were always meant to be.

Here are some top tips for keeping the spark alive in your relationship:

Be inquisitive

When was the last time you sat down and had a long conversation with your partner about their thoughts, emotions, and interests? When you first got to know them, you were most likely extremely inquisitive about everything they had to say, but as the years progressed, you may not have felt this small aspect was necessary.

Your partner should be confident to speak openly with you about anything that crosses their mind and be listened to intently. Ask questions about their dreams, goals, and concerns, and always make it clear that you will be a support, whatever they are faced with.

Book a boudoir photoshoot

When you are unhappy with your appearance, this negative energy can rub off on your intimate relationship with your partner. You may have come to the conclusion that you are unattractive simply because of your flaws, which leads you to hide your body away.

It’s time to find the confidence to love yourself the way you are.

Hiring a boudoir photographer to catch powerful images of you feeling your best could solve body-confidence issues. It’s not all about the end product, but the experience that gives you a sense of empowerment and an appreciation of your body. In turn, this newfound confidence can be transferred into developing your relationship – and the photos will also make a great gift for your partner.

Set boundaries

If either of you has made major mistakes that cannot be forgiven, it’s no surprise that your relationship is crumbling. Trust issues are one of the leading causes of relationship break-ups. There’s no getting around the fact that getting back to how you were isn’t always possible when you have been hurt.

As such, it may be useful to set boundaries with one another to ensure regular problems do not continuously arise. By understanding what your partner needs from you and vice versa, you’re less likely to make mistakes and cause upset.

Grow as a couple

The relationship can become dull when couples have been together for many years. You adopt unhealthy habits and simply exist rather than get out there and make the most out of life.

Snap out of the rut and invite some fun into your relationship. Try new activities and challenges together, learn a new skill or go on more vacations. By spending more time in each other’s company, you’ll create lasting memories to look back on and smile about.