It’s easy to feel the “spark” of a new relationship. Everything is new, exciting, different, and unique at the beginning. But over time, the newness of the relationship wears off, and sometimes that “spark” gets a little less sparkly. In senior relationships, you may have been with your spouse or partner for decades. It would be hard for anything to feel new and exciting after forty years or more! Luckily, there are ways you can keep that spark alive, even in senior relationships.
Try New Things Together
You may think that after many years of being together, you’ve already gone on every possible date. Still, make a list of all of the things you always wanted to do as a couple. You might be surprised to find that there are many dates you meant to go on, but perhaps never got around to! It’s not too late to go to a concert, or have a picnic under a waterfall, or rent a limo and go to a fancy restaurant. Keep the relationship feeling new by doing new things together! Research shows that doing novel activities as a couple makes people feel closer together and more in love.
Keep Talking
Sometimes it can feel like you and your partner have just run out of things to say to each other. But communicating and sharing your thoughts and feelings is vital to keep your relationship alive. If you need help thinking of things to talk about, try asking each other these questions! Psychologist Arthur Aron proposed that asking each other 36 questions helps people fall in love…and discussing these questions could help you fall in love with your partner all over again.
Become a Better You
In a long relationship, it’s easy to become focused on all the things you wish were different about your partner, or everything they’re doing “wrong.” Instead, try focusing on the ways you could be better, and everything you could work on. Focus on becoming the type of person you want to be in love with. As you both become your best versions of yourselves, you might find each other even more attractive and fall deeper in love. It’s never too late to grow, learn, and improve, as individuals and as a couple.
Notice the Small Stuff
Do you remember all the little things you loved about your partner at the start of your relationship? Perhaps after time and life happened, you’ve stopped noticing those little things. Try to notice them again! Do you love how your partner always kisses you good night? Or holds doors open for you? Maybe your wife has been cooking you dinner every night for years. Do you still say “thank you” every time? Pay attention to the little things your partner does for you every day, and say thank you! It is so important to feel seen in a relationship, and nothing makes you feel more seen than your partner noticing all the small things you do for them. Think of how wonderful it would feel to be told all the little ways you are loved, just for being you. Give your partner the gift of noticing the small stuff.
Getting older doesn’t have to mean no longer being in love. Stellar Senior Living hopes these tips help you keep the spark alive in your senior relationships! If you are a single senior, there’s no better place to find new love than a senior living community. Find one near you today!
