I've noticed many articles on this website give you advice on how to pick up men or women. Many of the articles try improving a person's ability to begin new relationships; through conversational techniques, body language, etc. But what happens when you're in a relationship? There are very simple things you can do to maintain the chemistry and excitement in your relationship. 

The sparks of chemistry you experience in the beginning of a new relationship are usually temporary. When the sparks fade over time you need to do things to keep your partner interested, or they will be looking for someone new. People tend to make their significant other feel very special at the beginning of a relationship; but it goes downhill when they get too comfortable. Some people feel they don't need to put forth as much effort because they are in the midst of a long-term relationship; they feel the effort they exerted to get into the relationship is enough. Its not enough, people get bored and will eventually move on. 

Ok this one is more geared towards the ladies, but guys are also guilty. Choose your battles wisely. Before arguing, before killing the vibe look at the bigger picture and ask yourself: "In the grand scheme of things, is this arguement really that important?" Also consider the timing, never argue when your bf/gf is just getting home from work or from any type of stressful day. Many guys I'm friends with stay at work later than they have to because they hate going home to a nagging woman. Conversely, many girls I know make excuses to stay out of the home to spend less time with a nagging man. Men and women nag, its not productive, its useless, and it is the culprit of many break-ups. 

Doing everything together is a major problem, no matter how outgoing or clingy you are, it gets old and boring. Doing everything together sounds romantic, but it is a hidden danger in every relationship. Independence is healthy, it is healthy to have a separate social life from your partner, and you also have a lot more talk about when you don't see each other 24-7. A tip for ladies, if you want to get a guy to dump you, try to spend every waking moment with him. 

Almost every person craves affection, if you don't, why are you dating? Even if you've been together a long time, you need to touch often. It reinforces your connection, it doesn't always have to be sexual. Guys, if there is anything you should know about women you better know the entire day you spend with us is the foreplay, it does not start when the lights go out. Foreplay happens throughout the entire day, it is the culmination of all the touching, flirting, romance, and affection you show your girlfriend in a day. Guys can go from zero to horny in 5 seconds or less, some girls can too, but regardless, you need to touch a lot no matter how long you've been together. I'm not talking PDA, some people just don't like it, but when you're alone there is no excuse. 

Did you screw up lately? Did you forget to pay the car bill? Did my car just get REPO'd lol? You didn't do the laundry and dishes like you promised? Who cares?! Shit happens, and couples need to laugh and joke when things go wrong. Yes sometimes things are serious and laughing or joking around isn't an option. But there are many times we lose our temper, as if everything is life is supposed to go perfect. People aren't perfect, every person you date will screw up, if it isn't a deal-breaker, laugh it up. Remember the famous quote from Marilyn Monroe "If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything." Laughing is not an option, the more you make your partner laugh, the more likely they will stick around for the long-haul. 

Last but not least, forgive when your partner errors (as long as it is not something too serious like cheating). I don't forgive cheaters, never will, but forgiveness in other situations is fundamental to any relationship. It does not matter who apologizes, if you trust each other, you should be confident you have each other's best interests in mind. Your partner will error, thats what humans do, but recognize that the error was not done maliciously. If it was done maliciously, you should obviously run for the hills. 

This is my second article, any feedback is appreciated. Thanks =D