You’ve been married 7 years, have 2 kids and stressful jobs. Between family, kids, social events and numerous errands your relationship with your partner is just not what it was when you first met each other. They don’t call it the 7-year itch for nothing. It irritates you, keeps you low and you constantly hope there was something you could do to overcome this plateau in your relationship.   Some couples (wrongly) assume this is exactly how a long term relationship looks like after a few years and that romance, sex and couple activities just simply cease to exist. If you’re not one of those couples who carve out vacations and date nights despite crazy lives, read on. 

Relationship Advice #1
Start communicating: You and your partner need to be on the same page about this. The blunt truth is you will have to take out time for each other and learn to compartmentalize. With packed routines this might seem impossible but you have to do it. Talk to each other expressing your desire to rekindle and possibly expand your relationship. Cross check your schedules and figure out where you can make time for each other. Early morning or late nights work for some couples. Remember, this time should be for the two of you only. No family, no kids, no Blackberrys.

Relationship Advice #2
Pick an activity: Figure out if you have any common interests. Or pick up a new activity. Start taking a walk together and leave those iPhones and iPads at home. Use this time to talk to each other. It’s better if these conversations don’t involve work, kids or weather but your relationship. Discover new things about each other, express opinions on things you’ve never spoken about to each other. 

Relationship Advice #3
Date-nights: Who says dating stops after marriage? Every week, pick up a day, plan a date that involves things you both enjoy. Art, music, theater, dining out. Once in a while, book an overnight vacation and spend the night alone with each other. Your biggest challenge will be following it through every week. Make this a priority and stick to it no matter what. Realize that this is important for your relationship and try not feeling guilty about it.

Relationship Advice #4
Bedroom rituals: Many couples find sex becomes boring and monotonous after a while. Good news is, it doesn’t need to be. Most couples have a sex routine, almost ritualistic. Time to change that. Take tips from magazines, porn or use your imagination to spice up your bedroom activities. Candles, roses and music sound cheesy but it helps break routine. Try positions and activities you’ve heard of and found interesting but have never dared trying. Buy sex toys and give that a try. Pamper each other a full body massage using scented oils and creams. It’s sensual, relaxing and helps you explore each other’s erogenous zones you never knew about! If you run out of ideas, explore the adult sex education section at a bookstore or online.

*Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images