| Most couples in long-term relationships end up | | | | and make a traditional picnic. You dont need to |
| stuck in a rut at some time in their lives and | | | | travel far to enjoy it even just go to your local |
| forgetting how much romantic fun they used to | | | | park or have it in your back garden. |
| have together. Here are some tips on things you | | | | Go to the zoo remember how much fun you |
| can do together to bring back the fun and | | | | used to have there as a child! |
| romance in your relationship. | | | | Visit a museum or art gallery. Itll give you both |
| At home | | | | something to talk about. |
| Having a family neednt put an end to your | | | | Just lounge about in a coffee shop all afternoon |
| romance you can have plenty of fun together at | | | | enjoying cappuccinos and cakes in comfy sofas. |
| home when the kids are tucked up in bed. | | | | Find a hotel or health club near you that has a |
| Rent some films and have a cosy night in | | | | luxury gym, swimming pool, whirlpool and spa |
| watching them with a bottle of wine and box of | | | | facilities for non-residents/non-members and |
| chocs. Dim down the lights and pretend youre in | | | | pamper yourselves all day. |
| the back row of the cinema! | | | | Have a day out at the races. Get dressed up and |
| Buy some flowers and candles, put on some | | | | make an occasion of it (but agree on betting limits |
| soothing music, decorate your dining room like a | | | | beforehand)! |
| romantic restaurant and make a special meal for | | | | Take a trip in a hot air balloon. Lots of companies |
| two together. Cooking is much more fun when | | | | offer such trips now and theyre very romantic. |
| you share it, and you can enjoy a wee glass of | | | | If you and your partner are active types, arrange |
| wine or gin and tonic while you work. | | | | a day of outdoor activities and adventures such |
| On a nice long, summer night, prepare a picnic | | | | as quad biking, archery, abseiling or clay pigeon |
| dinner with all the traditional romantic picnic treats | | | | shooting. |
| (champagne, strawberries, biscuits and cheese) | | | | If theres a funfair near you, go along and get on |
| and eat it al fresco. Turn your garden into a picnic | | | | some of the rides and treat yourselves to some |
| area, with rugs (and cushions to make you more | | | | candyfloss! |
| comfy), garden candles and a parasol or gazebo | | | | Nights out |
| for some privacy. | | | | Try spending an evening together doing |
| Have a games night. Dig out all your favourite | | | | something a bit different now and again. |
| board games you might even want to invent | | | | Get some tickets for the theatre and go for a |
| your own saucy rules for them! | | | | pre-show dinner beforehand. Be adventurous have |
| Simply ban television for the night. Put on some | | | | you ever gone to a ballet or the opera for |
| music and let the conversation flow. | | | | example? You might be surprised at how much |
| Have a bath with some luxurious bath essences | | | | youd enjoy it. |
| and oils, go to bed early and just cuddle. | | | | Go ten-pin bowling. When was the last time you |
| Look out your old photos and have fun | | | | did that? |
| reminiscing about the young and carefree days of | | | | Have some drinks at the pub but not your local. |
| your relationship. | | | | Find somewhere different where you can relax |
| Days out | | | | alone together and chat away all night. How about |
| Couples often dont spend much quality time | | | | a quiet wine bar for a nice bottle of Chardonnay |
| together during the day and their social lives tend | | | | or even Champagne if youre feeling extravagant? |
| to revolve only around nights out. There are loads | | | | Go to a gig not necessarily a massive rock |
| of fun things you can enjoy together during the | | | | concert. Sometimes smaller gigs in intimate clubs |
| day though. If youve got time to spare on a | | | | and venues are much more fun. And try |
| Saturday or Sunday afternoon or during the | | | | something a little out of the ordinary. If youre not |
| week, have a go at these: | | | | usually into rock music, why not break with |
| Go to a matinee performance at the cinema or | | | | tradition? Youre bound to have a lively night out. |
| theatre and youll still have the evening free to go | | | | Likewise, if youre not used to classical or jazz |
| out. | | | | concerts, why not give one a try? Sometimes |
| Take a trip into the countryside and go for a | | | | these can be very relaxing. |
| walk. Its a wonderful feeling to get out into the | | | | Find out what evening classes are on in your local |
| open air where theres noone else but the two of | | | | area and choose one that you both have an |
| you around. If youre not a keen walker, simply go | | | | interest in. Youre bound to find something that |
| for a drive and find a nice spot to park up and | | | | suits both your tastes cookery, dancing, language, |
| enjoy the views. | | | | art or even keep fit. |
| Buy or hire a picnic hamper if you dont have one | | | | |