���Remember those days when you first started dating your partner? You couldn't wait to leave work to spend time together. You constantly showered each other with compliments and could barely keep your hands off each other.

Fast forward a couple of years and of course, you still love each other. But you're now caught up in a hectic routine that leaves little time for romance.

Guess what? With a little bit of effort and imagination, you can bring the romance back into your relationship, fan the flames of love and remind your partner just how much they mean to you. Here's how...

Show Them You're Thinking About Them

All too often couples get to see each other when the alarm clock rings in the morning and late at night after a full day at work. Show your partner that you're thinking about him or her in between. A thoughtful text message or a link to something they might find interesting at any point during the day will certainly make your partner feel appreciated and important. 

Acknowledge Their Efforts 

You've been complaining that your partner never puts his dirty mug in the sink, or that she always leaves her shoes in the hallway. Then, one day - surprise! The mug is in the sink and the boots are placed neatly in the shoe cupboard.

Don't let this effort go unnoticed. By responding to your complaints, your partner it telling you: “I'm willing to make small changes because I love you and I know it really bothers you.” So make sure to acknowledge this effort.

Bonus tip: It's easy to point out what you don't like. But make sure you also comment about the good things. Compliment each other about a new outfit or hairstyle. Make sure he knows that you loved the pasta dish he made for you and don't forget to tell her you like the new shoes she bought.

Surprise Them

There's nothing more romantic than letting your partner know (regularly) that you're listening. So get him the book he seemed interested in buying last time when his friend was talking about it, get her another bottle of her favourite perfume because you noticed that it's soon finished or that special bottle of wine they've been eyeing. There are many small gestures that you can do to let your partner know that you're paying attention...so go the extra mile every now and again! 

Ask How They Are

How did the presentation go? Did she manage to make her appointment on time? How was his day? Asking a few follow-up questions simply shows that you care about your partner. Just make sure that when you do ask the questions, you are ready to listen.

So pick a time when you can ignore your incoming calls and give your partner some well-deserved undivided attention.

Make Them Feel Important

When you're out with friends, or at some work event, it's easy to get caught up in conversation with friends or colleagues and forget about your partner.

Don't forget to check in on them and make sure they feel welcome near you at all times. And when it's time to hit the dance floor - go grab their hand and dance the night away!

Break Routine

Nothing kills romance faster than routine. That feeling of being stuck in a rut of work -home-work-home and then the weekend comes and you're too tired to move from your sofa.

Stir things up a little by breaking routine. It doesn't have to be anything too complicated, simply going out for a drink or getting takeout midweek can do the trick.

Bonus tip: Transform dinner into dining. Take the initiative to turn a mundane, quick supper into a dining experience. Lay the table, light a candle, pour some wine and enjoy a meal together.

Organise Date Nights

Rekindle the magic that comes with dating: deciding what to wear and getting ready for your date, being “picked up” (even if it's from the living room) and sitting at a candle-lit table for two. Regular date nights are an easy way to keep up the romantic momentum going. So go on and book babysitting asap!

Explore New Things Together

Inject some novelty into your relationship by trying out new things together. Be as creative and daring as you wish; you can treat your palates to a new food or sign up to cooking classes, take up jogging, diving or horse riding. 

Another option is to explore new places and discover the hidden gems scattered around the Maltese islands...the possibilities are endless! 

Stay Positive

Here's a relationship golden rule: no one is perfect and other people's relationships always look rosy. But all couples have their ups and downs. Heard this before? I'm sure you did. Because it's true!

�So even when you want to start screaming because he didn't buy milk after you reminded him 50 times, or she insists on putting peas in the bolognese even though you hate peas; stay positive. Think of all the good things and remember that you love this person.

Support Personal Growth

One of the foundations of romantic relationships is friendship. Friends push and encourage each other to follow their dreams and become better people, so be that person. Be the one to urge your partner to start that online course, pursue their studies or apply for that promotion. Show them you believe in them.

Cuddle & Kiss

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Show your love and affection in the simplest of ways - through spontaneous cuddles and kisses. Sit close to each other while watching a movie, hug each other and rediscover the magic of long, love-filled smooching.

It is never too late to feel that magical feeling of love in the air and you're never too old either. So go on, rekindle that flame with a romantic getaway for two at one of these hotels and, when you're back home keep the romance alive with these simple gestures. 

Discover love in the small things - www.yellow.com.mt