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