When people wax poetic about the joys and wonders of love, they’re almost always talking about the honeymoon phase of a new relationship, and with good reason. At the beginning of a relationship, you’re both drifting through life bathed in feel-good hormones that make everything about life feel a little bit more magical.
Your partner seems like they’re perfect. And because of how they see you, you feel perfect, too. The sex is amazing. So are the conversations, as well as nearly everything you do together. For most couples, the honeymoon phase of their relationship lasts between a few months and a couple of years.
But if you play your cards right, it can last a lot longer. Here are a few tips for extending that honeymoon phase as long as possible, as well as making the most of it while it’s here.
1. Dress for bed like you mean it
Couples who are still floating their way through their honeymoon phase wouldn’t dream of going to bed in a torn T-shirt or a ratty old pair of granny panties. Their bed is still every inch the sexual hot zone, and they show up dressed accordingly.
Investing in attractive, sensual sleepwear (or showing up for bed stark naked) doesn’t just keep your partner sexually interested in you, either. It makes you feel more like the sexual dynamo you are when you’re enjoying a passionate new connection with someone.
2. Get your PDA on
Honeymoon phase couples can’t keep their hands off of one another, and they don’t waste much energy trying – even when they’re out in public. But PDA is about more than just being so head over heels in lust with someone that you can’t control yourself. It comes attached to important relationship benefits, as well.
When a partner kisses you in public or touches you in a way that leaves no doubt as to your connection to one another, it can be incredibly erotic. They’re telling the world you’re theirs and vice versa, and that just plain feels incredible.
3. Step out of your comfort zone together
Have you ever noticed how being in a new relationship opens you up to all sorts of fun, new possibilities? You seek out new restaurants and venues to take your new partner to. You explore new activities. You’re open to taking a few risks, so is the other person, and the whole experience is very exciting.
The same goes for your dynamic inside the bedroom. You’re still in the process of exploring one another, so you try lots of different positions, toys, and activities. And you want to please and impress your partner, so you’re always looking to be your best between the sheets. Do what you can to maintain that attitude, and your honeymoon phase could last quite a while.
4. Engage in frank discussion about your fantasies
Some couples never turn open, comfortable discussion about sex into a habit, and their relationships wind up paying the price. Great sex and great relationships hinge on communication, so the sooner you get comfortable talking about anything and everything, the better.
Fantasies make an especially great discussion topic for couples in their honeymoon phase. It sets a tone of openness, adventure, and passion right from the get-go. It’s also a great way to get to the bottom of what you each want, need, and desire most in the bedroom. Make discussing (and perhaps fulfilling) fantasies a regular part of how the two of you connect sexually.
5. Avoid taking your partner for granted
Couples who are still in their honeymoon phase do more than simply exist in each other’s company while they watch television or stare at their phones. They treasure their time together and can’t imagine simply taking each other’s presence for granted. In other words, they consistently make an effort.
So never stop dating your partner or going out of your way to look good for them. Don’t ever take their presence in your life or in your bed for granted, either. Romance them. Seduce them. Look for little ways to win them over again, and again, and again. It keeps a relationship special, close, and loving for sure.
6. Maintain your autonomy
Part of what makes the honeymoon phase of a relationship feel so special is your lives aren’t yet so intertwined that you do everything together, even if maybe you want to. Factors like mystery and limited availability make a person more attractive. Plus, it’s healthy for people to maintain some autonomy when dating.
So, don’t forget to hold onto your own sense of identity within your relationship and encourage your partner to do the same. It’s not only good for both of you, but an effective way to keep that honeymoon mystery, tension, and longing alive well into your relationship together.
At the end of the day, it’s normal and natural for even passionate relationships to settle into something more comfortable. But there’s no reason at all why you can’t take that early electricity and connection with you. It’s all about continuing to put in the effort.
