One of the challenges of even the strongest long-term relationship is the difficulty in keeping things fresh and new. We must all learn how to get out of the patterns that we create so that we can explore new sides of life together. That is not to say that we should not enjoy the patterns that we create. We must not forget to look beyond them, however. We don't want to stop and think about which sock to put on first, which way to drive to work, what kind of gas to put in our car, how to stack the dishwasher or fold our clothes.

Being able to have methods in place so that life is much more effective is good for everything that we must do in our day. The thing that we must keep in mind is that we need break out of these patterns so that we can see our spouse and really relish them and not take them for granted. Once we've moved beyond the adolescent and young adult experimentation phase, we tend to fall into the rut of wearing our hair a certain way, how we put on our makeup, the kind of television shows we watch, the choice of foods we eat, and the lifestyle we pursue.

Being able to be flexible changes over time and so we must remember how to be more flexible in what and how we do things. The size and the purchasing power of the baby boomers may be extraordinarily large but they are seldom targeted by major advertising campaigns because they are comfortable with the choices they have made and are unlikely to really hear messages about alternatives in which they have little interest.

Our gals love to be spontaneous. Show up unexpectedly and show them that you are thinking of them. Why not throw them completely off by sneaking up to them and giving them a passionate kiss.

Understand that the love quotes that we all read needs to be an inspiration and not a judgment. All of us want a love that lasts like we read about in the quotes about love. But that love is one which is acquired and not just handed to us.

Mix things up by doing the least expected things. Like going for a kid film together or dining at a restaurant, which she did not even know existed. Outbid her assumptions at every step.

If you are able to not be too shy and make a few waves, you can really get your spouses attention and make them take notice. But keep in mind that ruts in and of themselves are not a bad thing, so do not rock the boat too much. You do need some stability. Act a little mad, but not totally mad. We want them to always know that they can depend on you in life and in fun.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? It is a funny thing, but within each of us is the desire both for the new and unexpected and the normal and predictable. We need both in our lives if we are to feel complete.

Using the new and novel to create a stir can lead to some real fun in your relationship. Be a little bold and creative in what you do with your spouse. As another ad campaign suggests, "Just do it."