This is a guest post from Ivy Delfin. She is a blogger, working mom and writes for a tourism company. Social media advocate. Travel fan. Professional entrepreneur. Friend of animals everywhere. Wine evangelist. Reader. You can connect with her on Twitter or Google+. If you would like to write for Spouse Dates please check our Invitation to Write page here.

8 Ideas to Bring the Romance Back Into Your Relationship

Has the romance started to fizzle in your relationship? It’s nothing to be ashamed about. Just about every long term relationship reaches a point where both partners become a little too used to each other. That doesn’t mean it’s time to quit! Most of the time you simply need to change things up a little to reignite the passion. Here are some great tips to bring more romantic encounters into your long-term relationship.

1. Kiss more often

It sounds obvious, but couples that have more sex show their partner affection outside the bedroom too.

2. Leave your partner notes

Write some suggestive messages on post-it notes and leave them where your partner will stumble upon them. This will get his mind racing, particularly if he has to wait for you to get home.

3. Book a romantic retreat

Spend a weekend away at a relaxing day spa. It doesn’t have to be somewhere far away, sometimes a change of surroundings is all it takes to reignite the flame.

4. Have a blackout

We’ve all heard stories about mini baby booms that occur nine months after a blackout. Why not create your own (minus the conception!). Unplug the tv and stereo, and eat dinner by candlelight.

5. Cook a new meal

You don’t have to be a Michelin starred chef, just try something new in the kitchen. If it’s your partner that always does the cooking, surprise them by preparing a 3 course meal yourself. Here are some romance inducing recipes to try.

6. Make it a date

Go on a spontaneous date to the park or a new restaurant. As with the romantic retreat idea, it’s not so much about where you go, but the fact that you’re going somewhere different.

7. Spend less time at work

It’s difficult to escape work these days, especially now that we all have email on our mobile phones and overtime is the norm in office based jobs. But if you can find time to fit a meeting into your busy schedule, you can schedule recreational time too. Surprise your partner by coming home from work early one day, or even taking a day off so you can have a day all to yourselves.

8. Compliment your partner

It’s not hard to tell them they look beautiful or handsome, but it goes a long way. Just make sure that the compliment is genuine, you’re not saying it just for the sake of it!

Did you find these ideas helpful? Be sure to join the Spouse Dates’ Community for much more.