Is your love life more wrinkled peach than perky banana? If the spark has dimmed under the weight of *gestures arms around wildly* — life — it’s time for a refresh. Don’t worry, your romantic life can return to being juicier than a ripe strawberry with these eight playful tips: 

Image: Deon Black / Unsplash 

1. Get Away For Some Quality Time

Sometimes, all you need to reignite the flame is a change of scenery. Whether you plan a short getaway to look at Bellarine Peninsula display homes or head back to your honeymoon location for a multi-week break, having some time away together can completely revitalize your relationship. You can spend your time exploring and having fun hand-in-hand — something you might not have done for a long time. 

2. Have A Mini Local Adventure

Sometimes money or time can get in the way of a far-flung holiday. Luckily, you and your loved one can get just as much out of a local adventure. Why not try a tourist trap you’ve never done, or walk to a favorite spot rather than drive. The newness could be all you both need to bring back the spark between you. 

3. Revisit Your Favorite Couples Tradition 

Did you always share a milkshake at a particular dine back in the day? Or go to the cinema together on Monday afternoons when nobody else was around? Nostalgia can be a powerful way to rekindle romance, so why not rekindle some of your old habits? 

4. Get To Know Them Like You’ve Never Met

Natural curiosity about those we love can wain over time. We think we know all there is to know. But we all change and grown, meaning there are always new things to learn. Bring that curiosity back by pretending you’re on a first date all over again. 

5. Surprise, Surprise!

A little surprise can bring the sparkle back to your partner's eye. A cute love note, a naughty photo, breakfast in bed — just a little unexpected gesture that reminds them you can very much still keep them on their toes. 

6. Make Quality Time

Over 60% of workers prioritize work-life balance over how much they get paid. However, many of us also don’t ensure that non-work time is used wisely. Switch off your phones and go on a date — make sure that time with your partner is dedicated quality time. 

7. Be Each Other’s Cheerleaders 

Sometimes, the spark between two people can be dulled by constantly getting at each other over little things. 

“Why didn’t you take the trash out?”

“Can you go and see what the kids want?” 

It can be hard not to be drained by life.

Luckily, a little change in how you approach each other can make a massive difference to how things feel between you. Remember when you first met, and you thought everything they did was great? Try going back there. Praise them, compliment them, celebrate each other. You’ll be surprised how amazing it can feel to be showered in adoration like that again. 

8. Consider Therapy

Sometimes, a block can happen between you because there’s an issue you can’t get past, which is where professional couples therapy can come in. About 20% of people have received mental health treatment, including therapy. Couples therapy can be just as necessary, and transformative. It’s nothing to be ashamed of — it’s a way to work on a healthier relationship that hopefully, in the future, can be revitalized. 

You don’t need a grand gesture or overseas escape to revitalize your love life. A touch of playfulness, a little spontaneity, and some focused effort can bring back that loving lightheartedness again. Heck, maybe even a bit of passion too. Have fun!