More

Featuring fresh takes and real-time analysis from HuffPost's signature lineup of contributors
Hot on the Blog
Rep. Carolyn MaloneyAlec BaldwinMohamed A. El-ErianBill Moyers
Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW

Psychotherapist and author of Shortcuts to Inner Peace

GET UPDATES FROM Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW
 

How to Date Your Mate: 6 Tips to Fan the Flame on Valentine's Day

Posted: 02/10/2012 8:00 pm
Amazing
 Inspiring
 Funny
 Scary
 Hot
 Crazy
 Important
 Weird

It's Valentine's day again and no doubt restaurants will be full of star-struck, dopamine-heavy couples falling in love. Some may even be getting engaged. But if you've been coupled for a while, Valentine's day may feel routine. In fact, you may be at that stage where your sweetheart is dangerously close to becoming the "old ball and chain."

This is a holiday to reconnect and celebrate your love, not spend your evening arguing about the finances, the kids, or your in-laws. And you don't want to be that old couple in the corner who sits in stony silence. So here are some tips to make your date night special, no matter how many Valentines you've had together. Warning: You just might ignite some passion.

Using these six strategies will enhance your connection and remind you why you choose to be together. "Long term" doesn't have to mean "dull." In fact, as true love matures, it becomes richer and deeper than the fleeting spark of infatuation. So go out, celebrate, and fan a flame of romance for the one you love.

Compliment Your Mate's Appearance
1  of  7
PLAY
FULLSCREEN
ZOOM
SHARE THIS SLIDE 
Most couples who have been together for awhile forget the fine art of compliments. Women never tire of being told that they're attractive. Men too want to look appealing to their mate. Look at your beloved and find a detail that you can sincerely appreciate. It will start the evening off on the right note.
MORE SLIDESHOWS NEXT >   |   < PREV

 
 
 

Follow Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW on Twitter: www.twitter.com/AshleyDavisBush

It's Valentine's day again and no doubt restaurants will be full of star-struck, dopamine-heavy couples falling in love. Some may even be getting engaged. But if you've been coupled for a while, Val...
It's Valentine's day again and no doubt restaurants will be full of star-struck, dopamine-heavy couples falling in love. Some may even be getting engaged. But if you've been coupled for a while, Val...
Related News On Huffington Post:
 

Read more from Huffington Post bloggers:
Steve Lake

Steve Lake: When the Vows Break: A Valentine for Kim Kardashian

I've developed a more realistic perspective on what happens when folks get caught up in the trappings of manufactured romance that are hallmarks of Cupid's holiday. Take the 72-day marriage of Kim Kardashian and Whatshisname.
Barbara Hannah Grufferman

Barbara Hannah Grufferman: Dating In Midlife And What Secrets To Reveal

But, before you met this new love, you had a life, complete with friends, lovers, spouses, jobs, good decisions, bad choices and ... secrets. And then comes the inevitable question: Do you tell ... everything? And if so, when?
Sheryl Paul

Sheryl Paul: How to Avoid Affairs in the First Year of Marriage

We're all aware of the sobering statistics that tell us that 50% of marriages end in divorce. We know that the modern marriage is vulnerable to a myriad of obstacles that couples must learn to navigate if their partnership is to succeed.
Sheryl Paul

Sheryl Paul: Marriage is a Work in Progress

But there is one belief that is talked about even less than the others: that at the wedding day, the relationship itself is supposed to be at its height of ease, love, and workability.

More in Healthy Living...


 
 
  • Comments
  • 5
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Comments are closed for this entry
View All
Favorites
Bloggers
Recency  | 
Popularity
photo
HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Ashley Davis Bush
18 Fans
11:09 AM on 02/14/2012
Thank you for your discussion! Yes, being authentic is so important. As with all advice, it is important to take what works and leave the rest. Happy Valentine's day, Ashley
Permalink  |
photo
jf12
Occupying myself
506 Fans
11:53 PM on 02/13/2012
All the woman has to do is stop saying no.
Permalink  |
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
photo
lobstur
30 Fans
11:26 AM on 02/13/2012
Please disregard all the suggestions in this article and remember that you know yourself and the person you love. You know their temperament, their habits, their desires, their boundaries.

Maybe they don't want some of your food shoveled into their mouth? And maybe you don't need to take generic advice on how to rekindle passion from someone who doesn't know you, or what you've been through with your partner.
Permalink  |
photo
dpkjj
Peace on Earth
243 Fans
05:08 PM on 02/13/2012
I agree. I've probably been married more years than she's been on the planet. She means well, but I think the best way to show your partner that you love him or her is to be authentically yourself and communicate the love in whatever way you both feel comfortable with. Happy Valentine's day, lobstur and Ashley.
Permalink  |
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
photo
lobstur
30 Fans
11:06 AM on 02/14/2012
aw that sweet, youre the first person to tell me that today, i dont really know anyone, haha.

happy valentines day!
Permalink  |