Six Things a Couple Should Not Give Up Doing After the Honeymoon Phase is Over

When the honeymoon phase is over is when the real test begins. The phase where you love everything about each other has passed and the flaws and quirks start to present themselves. If you are in a relationship, whether it be brand new or long-standing, keep in mind some things that you should not give up after the honeymoon phase is over.

Do not stop planning dates for each other

In the beginning of a relationship, each person may plan dates to surprise or romance the other. After the honeymoon phase is over, some couples stop those planning dates and just plan things together. It can eliminate the surprise or anticipation that you have in the beginning stage of the relationship when you go on a date planned completely by the other person. Surprise your girlfriend by telling her to dress up and take her to a restaurant she has wanted to try or treat your boyfriend to a baseball game. If you go to the effort to plan a date just for your significant other, he or she will almost surely appreciate the endeavor.

Do not give up on the grooming and style

After awhile you may notice that your significant other is not as into grooming or style as they were when you first met. A guy may let the facial hair grow a few more days or the woman may let the hair grow on her legs just a bit longer. Instead of showing up at your home in jeans and a nice shirt, your significant other shows up in ratty sweatpants and a stained t-shirt. While you may feel comfortable with this person, there are different ways to go about it. If you want to dress very casual, throw on neat looking lounge pants and a non-stained t-shirt. It does not take long to shave, so take a few extra minutes to groom yourself the way you did in the beginning of the relationship. Not only can it help keep the fire alive, but it may even make you feel better as well.

Do not slack on communication

When you first meet, you want to find out everything about each other. You ask questions, spend time listening intently and make an effort to try to express your feelings. After awhile, the communication may lessen instead of becoming better. Take time to ask how your significant other's day was and actually listen to the answer. Ask questions, offer your opinion and ask for theirs. It can make a big difference in the relationship when you still feel like your partner cares about what you have to say and is interested in your life as an individual person and not just as part of the couple.

Do not forget important dates

Some couples acknowledge the first time they met and their first date; that is until the honeymoon phase is over. Those are both important days in the relationship that you should remember. You do not need to exchange presents, but even saying to your significant other "Hey remember when..." will show him or her that you value those days.

Do not stop taking your significant other's feelings into consideration

After awhile of being in a relationship, you may think that you automatically know what your significant other is going to say and you speak for him or her. For example, if a mutual friend invites both of you to dinner, ask your significant other first about going instead of answering for both of you. If an old friend of the opposite sex asks you to meet up to talk, think about how your significant other would feel and actually talk to him or her about it. It is not you asking permission to do anything, it is you having respect for the other person's feelings enough to ask them what they think and feel about a certain situation. Your reaction to their response also matters just as much as you asking.

Do not slack on small gestures

Small gestures can mean a lot in a relationship. In the beginning, you are all about pleasing the other person with romantic gestures and trying to make them happy. After awhile, you may feel that you do not have to do those things anymore. Instead of having that mentality, try to bring your significant other flowers, cook dinner or write them a small note of appreciation. Even the smallest gestures can mean everything, not only in your significant other's life, but also in regards to keeping your relationship strong.

Just because the honeymoon phase is over does not mean that you have to be so comfortable that you lose sight of the important things that help make a relationship work. Some people may think that just because they have the other person as their significant other that they no longer have to go out of their way for him or her, but it is the complete opposite. When you have the person is when you should work hard to do everything you can to make him or her happy and to help the relationship flourish. Even a little effort can go a long way.