It has been estimated that almostΒ 20 percent of married couplesΒ are in sexless marriages. Could you be in a βzombieβ relationship?Β As the name suggests, it feels, well, lifeless. Not just characterized byΒ unsatisfying sex or not wanting sex, partners in zombie relationships experience a lack of connection. To prevent this from happening to you, itβs vital to keep your relationshipβs heart beating strong and fluttering with chemistry. This becomes even more important if you consider that happy relationships make you live longer. Research by HarvardΒ Medical found thatΒ a lack of strong relationships can increase premature death by 50 percent β this is like smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Hereβs how to keep your marriage happy and fresh, so you can be healthier.
Be More Curious
When last did you ask your partner interesting questions to find out more about them? You might think you donβtΒ need to because youβve known each other for years, but thereβs always something new to learn about each other. Make it a habit to communicate more about things other than the chores and kids, as this will help to keep the spark alive. This will also bring you emotionally closer and make you feel a bit of that rush from when you were first getting to know each other.
Connect Outside Of The Bedroom
In a recent sex survey, it was found thatΒ South African people in relationshipsΒ enjoy sex more than singles. It just goes to show that sex can be fun and stimulating, even when youβre always with the same partner. The trick, however, is to prevent vanilla sex from making your bedroom antics zombie-like. To shake it up, you need to focus on connecting outside of the bedroom. As April Masini, relationship expert and author of the bookΒ Romantic Date IdeasΒ advises, get massages together while sipping champagne and eating delicious fresh pineapple slices. This is a bit like foreplay because it gives you a chance to relax together, while the massage and delicious treats will get you in a sensual mood for fireworks later. Another idea is toΒ surprise your partner with a sexy gift, such as a sex toy, sexting session, or sexy lingerie.
Be Silly Together And Lose The Zombie Vibe
Itβs easy to fall into a rut and develop a “zombie” relationship. But being spontaneous doesnβtΒ require big actions, such as booking a romantic mini getaway. You can go to new places in your relationship without leaving the house by doing smaller things that mean a lot because theyβre all about having more fun. So, have a flour fight while making pizza together, take a longer drive to your destination so you can stop for a picnic on the way, try on silly sunglasses when shopping, and just live in the moment. Youβll feel like silly teenagers again. Remember: couples who laugh together stay together.Β Laughing is also good for your health. A study by Osaka University in Japan found a link between lower blood pressure and laughter. When we laugh, our bodies decrease their stress hormone production. The bodyβs blood vessels also widen to boost oxygen through the body. So, when you and your partner can relax and share a good chuckle, youβre bonding while keeping your body in shape. Click here to find out more.
Rekindling the spark in your relationship doesnβt have to be difficult. You just need to open your mind to a bit of creativity, such as being curious and more spontaneous instead of taking your partner for granted.
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Don’t feel like having sex? Click here to find out why – and what you can do to fix the situation.