Keeping a happy and healthy relationship needs a lot of work. A relationship resembles a plant and both parties act as the gardeners. To ensure this plant will bear fruits or flowers eventually, both the gardeners have to regularly water the plant, add fertilizer and pull out the weeds. The same applies to a relationship in which couples have to put in effort to strengthen the emotional connection as a base to develop a close intimate bond.

The following are some suggestions or tips that can add spark and romance in your relationship:

(1) Personal Packaging

Most people (especially guys) believe that after they have already achieved their objectives in winning the hearts of their loved ones, they can afford to be shabby in their appearances. There isn’t much that can diminish the romantic feelings between husband and wife than to see your spouse looking frumpy and disheveled.

For guys, get rid of those old, worn out "favorite" T-shirts or sweaters that you feel comfortable with, which your wife is not likely to find you very appealing. For women, put your hair up in a nice clip, or take the time to curl your hair. Get rid of those granny panties and wear some sexy underwear that makes yourself look nice and attractive to your man. For the sake of your health as well as increasing your energy and sexual appeal (if you are medically fit), do perform some regular workout to get rid of those extra fat around your waist.

(2) Non-Sexual Touching

A study conducted by the American Journal of Family Therapy indicates women are more satisfied with their relationships when their partners are physically affectionate to them. Women love to be touched and caressed. If not given enough physical contact outside the bedroom, they will feel like being treated like sex objects.

One of the easiest and greatest ways to build intimacy is simple hand holding. Whether you are walking along the street or sitting in front of the TV, grab her hand just to hold it. Surprise your spouse with a long romantic kiss and a suggestion to take a walk together and hold hand while you walk. This can make her feel warm.

Hugging, kissing, stroking and massaging not for the sake of initiating sex can create the feeling of closeness which ironically makes her feel sexy and good about herself. So, from today onwards, being and end each day by physically touching your spouse with hugs and kisses.

(3) Connecting With Your Spouse

True intimacy is an expression of emotional and physical connection. Feeling tuned into your partner and aware of their needs is important everyday. It therefore makes good sense to pay close attention to the subtle hints and comments from your spouse.

During talking, do maintain eye contact, pay attention and listen to one another without interrupting. (It will be better if you can switch off your cell phone). Be careful not to jump to conclusions about what your spouse is saying. If you need clarification of what your spouse have said, ask questions. To encourage 2-way communication, respond without being critical of what your spouse has said. Always be affirmative and supportive.

Sit with your partner and talk for 30 minutes about yourself, revealing private and intimate details about your life. Then switch and let your partner do the same. You can talk about your desires and longings, fears and disappointments, triumphs and successes.

Couples often complain they do not have time to talk to each other due to the need to take care of kids, unfinished household chores and being busy in their jobs. Putting the kids to bed at a normal fixed time can give parents time for each other. Sharing household chores will also help to speed things up and free up more time for each other. If working hours are long, couples have to make an effort to schedule or set aside time for each other.

(4) Set A Romantic Home Environment

Make the home environment as orderly, clean and romantic as much as you can and do not make it look like a storeroom. Do not let any dirty laundries or unwashed socks lying around the house. Some women complain that their husbands do not flush the toilet and/or lift up the cover of the toilet bowl after use. Guys, if you are guilty of this, stop doing this from today onwards. Creating a romantic atmosphere should be a joint effort and need the co-operation of both parties. Set the intimacy mood in your home with dim lights, sensual music and soft fabrics.

(5) A Healthy Sex Life

Communication is the key to a healthy and active sex life. Do share with one another your sex desires and expectations about sex. When life becomes busy, do plan for sex encounter. Make sex fun by buying some naughty adult sex games and sex toys. Do change the routine of when or where you have sex because your sexual health and wellness depends on finding creative ways to spice up your marriage and sex life. Take a romantic bath together before and after sex.