8 Ways to Deal with Boredom in Relationships
If you’ve been in a long-term relationship, you’re probably looking forward to the day when you’ll get tired or bored of your spouse. Boredom is a natural stage in all long-term partnerships, and there is usually nothing to be concerned about. But it’s important to notice and work on it!
If your relationship is feeling a little monotonous, predictable, or simply off – here are eight things you should do right away to get things back on track.
- Restart Your Dating Life
Your hectic schedules may be getting in the way, but you both need to make date evenings a priority, whether it’s going out on the town once a month or doing something low-key and staying in. Set the table, extinguish the candles, and have a great supper together. It’s a simple method to reconnect and remind yourself that you’re still completely smitten with each other.
- Cut Ties With Your Boring Daily Routine
Once you’re both on the same page, do all you can to shake up your usual pattern. Routines may ruin even the most passionate relationships by making them feel dull. “Restore the spontaneity,” says relationship expert Shawnda Patterson to Bustle. Even small actions, like meeting for dinner at a different restaurant, might help to rekindle the joy.
- Don’t Forget to Flirt
When a couple becomes comfortable in their relationship, they frequently stop flirting. That is not acceptable. Flirting keeps things interesting and reminds you both why you started dating in the first place. Pretend you’re resuming your dating life. It may seem foolish, but it might help rekindle the flame in your relationship.
- Make a “Bucket List” of Relationship Goals
It’s never too late to set new objectives or come up with new, exciting activities to do with your family. Make a bucket list, and think about activities you’ve always wanted to try that you can do together. Also, think beyond the box. Doing something out of the usual may bring excitement to the relationship while also making you feel more connected to your partner.
- Tell Your Partner What’s Going On
You can’t expect things to improve if you don’t tell your partner. So say what’s on your mind – in a good, loving way, of course. “Instead of telling your spouse outright that you’re bored, perhaps you propose that you’ve been caught in [a] rut and you believe it would be great for the two of you to do something different together,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Williams. This will start a dialogue and give you both the opportunity to make any required improvements.
- Get Intimate With One Another on a Regular Basis.
Established couples sometimes go past one another without so much as a hug or kiss, completely ignoring the value of contact in a healthy relationship. Even non-sexual contact increases connection between lovers, whether it’s a kiss hello or goodbye, snuggling on the sofa, or holding hands.
- Encourage Your Partner’s Interests
Remember that you and your partner do not have to accomplish everything together. And you shouldn’t if you want a healthy connection. Those who sustain successful relationships truly take their partner into consideration and encourage them to develop their own hobbies. Give your partner some “me time” and let them explore their interests on their own. You’ll return with new stories to tell at the end of the day.
Boredom doesn’t have to be tough to overcome. If the problem does not resolve itself over time, speak with your spouse and be honest about it. Then you can both work together to repair it. If you are still not satisfied and content, consult a relationship therapist who will point you in the right direction.