How can you keep the spark alive in a long-term relationship?

[Jasmineww]

Love can exist in any relationship, as long as there is a connection between people that is genuine and mutual

A long-distance relationship may make some things more difficult - especially communication and physical intimacy - but it is definitely possible to have a strong and loving connection in a long-distance relationship if people put in the effort to maintain the bond between them

[caring__1]

Every piece of music ever composed can be played on a piano. None require extra keys. Every song you've ever heard can be played on those 88 keys. This shows you the variability possible with what already exists. The same holds true with relationships. Be creative, but it's not necessary to go to extremes. Don't get in a rut. Hearing the same note played over and over can be annoying, if not just boring.

Get to know your partner, so you can surprise him/her with something special, on occasion. What are your partner's preferences? Let's say you come across a beautiful flower. Some people would want you to take them to see the flower, some would like you to cut it and put it in a vase, while others would love to have the living plant, so those flowers can be enjoyed for years.

Keep communication open. Never assume you already know the answer, as people can change. Continue to show curiosity, especially when it comes to seeing things through your partner's eyes. Showing a desire to hear and understand the other will make your relationship more meaningful than insisting on being heard.

Pay attention to your partner's love language. Don't just give what you want to receive; give what your partner truly values. Enjoy your partner. The greatest joy we'll ever experience is sharing in our partner's joy.

[razelove]

Oh, you said long term in the question, then long distance in your answers.

Those are two completely different issues. In LTR you just work together, maybe it's hobbies, trying out new things in bed, but you figure out how to keep moving forwards and not get bored.

For long distance though, you get close, or get burned out on each other over long enough. Like even if you build up an image in each other's mind of perfection, the importance of unobtainable perfection will fade out.

[ohsheeT]

Look at it like this every week if you want to go someplace you have to put gas in your car to go it's the same thing with with relationship every week do something nice with your spouse your girlfriend boyfriend whomever and do it just like you're feeling up your car every time you fill up your car think about what am I going to do good for my girlfriend my boyfriend no matter what type of relationship you have you have to have that connection you have to feel it deep and sometimes energy connection is 10 times stronger than physical connection

[MrOracle]

It's nearly impossible, especially if you are separated for more than 90 days. Scientists believe the brain has a coping mechanism for grieving (the loss of a loved one) that emotionally disconnects you from that person after about 90 days apart. This is why you should NEVER try to start a LDR and you should never try to maintain one UNLESS you are married and you both have INCREDIBLE desire to maintain that relationship, because even if you do, it's still likely to fail, and if you don't have both people willing to make an incredible, ongoing effort with virtually no return on investment, very few people are able to make that kind of sacrifice for more than 4-6 months.

I'm sure that's not what you want to hear, but it's the truth.

[MementoMori777]

You have to keep the excitement and tbh most excitement comes from unpredictable things, good unpredictable and of course new things, sacrifice as well, for example, if only one of the people likes to go skateboarding, the other one despises it, if the one that despises it puts on the gear and goes to skate with their partner it would be exciting and unpredictable to the person and it shows sacrifice, then the other can do it back to the other person with something else, it will keep excitement in the relationship and that will just make each other happy in the long run because they both see the effort, love and effection they have for each other, keeping the spark alive.

[BarryLiverstone]

It takes work. First in understanding your partner and staying connected and current in their lives. Then it’s about exploring new and exciting possibilities while weighing priorities. Taking a chance to plan something new and sharing that with your partner often helps ignite new sparks

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Long-term relationships can last if couples both agree to it and there should be open communication between the two couples.

[clampfan101]

Long distance is very difficult, but not impossible.