When we start a relationship, it seems incredibly attractive and passionate. However, over time, this passion may fade and the relationship may settle into a more routine and comfortable stage. Maintaining passion and intimacy in a long-term relationship requires some effort and decision making. Maintaining communication is important. Communication is the key to a successful relationship. Talk to your partner about your feelings, what worries you, or what you dream about. Ask your partner to do the same. This will help maintain mutual understanding and strengthen your relationship. Don't forget about compliments. When we start a relationship, we often compliment each other, but over time this can become a rare occurrence. Don't forget to tell your partner what he means to you, how much you value his qualities and how important he is to you. Spend time together. It's important to make time to spend quality time together, even if you have a busy schedule. It could be something as simple as an evening walk or dinner at a restaurant. This will help strengthen your connection and create new pleasant memories. Stay physically close. Physical touch and intimacy are just as important components in a long-term relationship as emotional connection. Don't forget to touch each other, hold hands, or just touch each other. This will help maintain passion in the relationship. Diversify your sex life. Sex is an important part of a relationship, and to maintain passion, you sometimes need to change what you do. Try new positions, experiment, use toys. It is important that you feel that you have the freedom to express your desires and fantasies. Remember that every couple is unique and what works for one couple may not work for another. Try to understand what is important to you and your partner, and use that knowledge as a guide to maintaining passion and intimacy in your long-term relationship. If you are willing to put in the effort and take responsibility for the state of your relationship, then you can create and maintain healthy, happy and passionate relationships for many years! Sincerely, Your psychotherapist, coach, interpersonal relationship consultant, Ilya Akhmedov.