Turn the TV-off night

K&G
“ Our friends, Julie & Martin, relocated to London a few years back and, in the course of setting up their household, realized that they didn’t know how to arrange a television hookup. So they didn’t. Months went by. And an amazing thing happened: they sat down every night to dinner and lingered there, talking in depth about their days. They told us that this was the most romantic time in their relationship, even more than during their early days of dating!”

Try it at your house
You needn’t pull the plug on the TV for good. But designate certain nights, or certain hours, as TV-free. If possible, make them computer-free, too. Let the only “input” you’re receiving be from your partner. Quiet is a wonderful invitation to romance.

Share an extended hug

T&J
“ Years ago, I noticed something interesting when watching a romantic film (I think it was “Moonstruck.”) Every time someone hugged, they immediately pulled back and then kissed. I started to notice this hug-to-kiss sequence in almost every romantic film I watched. We’re so programmed to think of a hug as a precursor to something more that we lose sight of a central truth: hugs, on their own, are one of the most loving, comforting, and, yes, romantic gestures we share. I make a special point of giving my husband extended hugs. I hold him for a minute…sometimes even longer. It feels wonderful.”

Try it at your house
The next time you’re greeting your partner, or saying goodbye, offer a hug. Silently count to ten in your head before you release the hug. Your partner may have already dropped his or her arms a few seconds before, thinking the hug was over, but keep yours in place. Then, right before you release your arms, whisper in his or her ear a loving thought for the day. I love you. I’m lucky to have you. Thanks for working so hard today. Anything at all that sums up how you feel at that moment.

Send an email

R&S
“ One day, I was stuck on a marathon conference call, and my mind drifted to my wife. I’d been away from home for three days on a business trip and I was missing her. Since I was already tied up on the phone, I quickly typed her an email. In the subject line, I wrote “Did you remember to…?” because we often type emails to remind each other about household stuff that needs to get done. But then, when she opened the email, I completed the thought, so it read: “Did you remember to…miss your husband today? Because he sure misses you.” It probably took less than 30 seconds to type but she talked about it for weeks.”

Try it at your house
No instructions needed here. Send a loving email every day, or every week, if you can. Other fun thoughts: Type it in code, using words and referencing memories that only your mate will understand. Attach a photo from your last vacation with the line “wish we were here.” Invite your partner to meet you for a quick lunch. Anything to show that you’re thinking of your special someone.

Submit Your Story
Have your own ideas to share? Tell us how you keep the romance and passion alive in your relationship. If we feature your story here (don’t worry – no names, only initials), you’ll win a C&M Couples Gift Box.