September 2026
Relationships can be both rewarding and challenging. Just like anything that grows, they need to be nurtured and maintained to ensure they become the haven of love, comfort, fulfilment and joy they are meant to be. Here are a few things you can do to keep blossoming.
“Hang out with friends until late in the evening, take a weekend trip to visit family, or just spend time ‘doing you’ for a while.” — Amy Baglan
This way you don't “lose yourself” in your relationship, something that can lead to resentment and regret later on, turning what was once sweet and nurturing into something bitter and suffocating.
“…Try a more gentle approach, focusing on your own emotional reaction and a positive request.” — Carrie Cole
You're not in a debate competition scoring points with every blow delivered: you are both on the same side. If you say something that ends up hurting them, chances are that hurt will find its way back to you too.
“Fight fairly: look for places where each partner's goal overlaps into a shared common goal and build from that. Focus on using ‘I’ versus ‘you’.” — Sean Horan
A “knock out” outcome in every fight is a step closer to ending your relationship, and doing so on very bitter terms. It's natural for conflicts of varying degrees to occur in a relationship; however, this is not an opportunity to show off your fighting skills. Things said as low blows tend to linger long after the fight is over, torturing your partner and forcing them to ponder whether they should still be with you, even when you've moved on and “things are great”.
“…expand your concept of sex to include… intimate connection with your partner, such as sensual massages or taking a nice shower together…” — Chelsea Holland
Not every presentation or meeting is a career-changing moment at work, so there's no reason you should approach every intimately shared moment as an Olympic event. Relax and enjoy each other in ways that are pleasurable for both of you. If that's eating a huge bowl of cheese curls while watching Japanese hockey, then so be it! If it gets you closer and maintains the spark in your relationship, why not?
“Keep your ‘sex esteem’ alive by keeping up certain practices on a regular basis. This allows you to remain vibrant, sexy, and engaged in your love life.” — Sari Cooper
Seriously though, growing in your relationship, having kids, accumulating assets, maintaining your extended family relationships and so on doesn't mean your love life should suddenly become “serious”. If your thing was stealing adventurous moments together at braais, what's stopping you from doing that at dinner parties? Maybe not a kiddies' party, sure, but when adventure calls and the moment is right, why not?
“…love is a social exchange, not just a feeling. Loving relationships are where we get our needs met and meet the needs of our partners too.” — Jeremy Nicholson
One of the easiest ways to meet your partner's needs is to reciprocate. We often do for others that which we wish others did for us. Their love language is not rocket science you have to figure out: it's in the things they do for you. Reciprocate in your own unique way, and they will most likely really appreciate and enjoy it.
Still on the path to finding love? Let us help you. Sign up for our Romantic Partner Solutions Package and let's take the exciting journey of finding you that special someone, together.
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