There are many aspects to a relationship that are recognizably key and essential to its healthy survival. A healthy sex life is one, trust another. Strong channels of communication, a shared approach to domestic responsibilities, similar interests, a life outside the relationship, and financial openness – all these are essential elements of a healthy relationship.
However, an area that very often does get neglected is that relating to the need for fun. With the daily grind of paying bills and dealing with a demanding work life, we sometimes forget to put our feet up and have a laugh together. But remember, there is no relationship that can survive in an entirely sterile and sober environment.
How this is a matter for immediate attention
If things are getting a little sedate, and you are worried that it could affect your relationship in the long term, then the ball is in your court, and you need to find a return. But there’s no use in worrying yourself about how best to go about injecting that little bit of fun back into proceedings, and no need to analyze or philosophize about it.
What you need to do is act, and the best way to do that is by introducing a few fun activities. Take the bull by the horns and start livening things up. Not tomorrow, but today and every other opportunity that presents itself. Time to start living again, and here are a few ideas to start you off on the right track. [Read: 15 signs you’re clearly bored with your relationship]
#1 Four-wheel freedom. Nothing puts the zip back in a relationship like an improvised trip in the family automobile. Who cares where you go, whether it’s a beach trip, a late-night casino visit, or a picnic in the hills – as long as it breaks the monotony of the usual routine. And don’t blame your lack of wheels for not getting off your butt. There are plenty of good public transportation options out there that give you the additional freedom of also being able to indulge in an alcoholic drink or two.
#2 House parties. If you haven’t got the budget available to afford holidays or expensive nights out on a regular basis, then invite the party home. Start arranging some house and dinner parties. Shake things up a little and start enjoying life from the comfort of your own armchair.
This way, you can have regular fun but be in complete control of the budget, the music, the food, the entertainment, and the invited company. It also means that when you start to get a little bit tired, you’re entirely in control of pulling the plug – because carrying things on for too long can make them just as dull as the thing you were trying to avoid in the first place. [Read: 10 dirty drinking games for naughty guys and girls]
#3 Bedroom antics. Sex, as already mentioned, is a hugely important part of a relationship. But it doesn’t have to be so serious. Some people approach sex as if on autopilot, but that can’t be fun, can it? So try lightening the mood and making it a bit more spontaneous. Chocolate body spread, flavored condoms, sex games, and massage/tickling all help you toward the climax in a far more frivolous and fun-filled fashion.
#4 Extreme fun. Try living dangerously by flirting with a few extreme sports. There’s nothing better for making you appreciate your life a little more than a brief flirt with mortality. And there are so many options to choose from that you should be able to find something you want to do. Fancy skydiving for instance? Or how about rock-climbing, bungee jumping, or snowboarding. All guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping and offer a new, exhilarating experience! [Read: 50 really amazing date ideas to wow your date every single time]
#5 Fake dating. This option is becoming quite popular among adventurous and fun-loving couples everywhere. Essentially, you both arrange to meet separately at a bar but pretend to be strangers. Slowly, one of you makes eye contact with the other before moving in and trying your worst chat-up line on them.
The reactions of those around you will give you more than a giggle, when cynical smiles turn to open-mouthed amazement as you walk out of the bar hooked up with what they believe to be a complete stranger. Then you can laugh about it together on the way home, where hopefully the fun will continue into the night. [Read: Top 50 naughty kinky ideas that are worth trying at least once]
#6 Classroom fun. Instead of festering at home in front of the TV, why not get out and learn something together? It could be anything from an art class or cookery course all the way through to learning a language together or even a martial art. Whatever it is, it stops you from watching local news programs and Mexican soaps – and that can only be a good thing.
#7 Game on. Get gaming, guys! Again, it’s a cheap and effortless way to change the routine and have a bit of a laugh. What you choose to play is, of course, up to you. You could opt for video games, but how about getting those dusty old board games out instead? You’ll have a lot more fun playing Twister than you would watching the same old reruns on the TV box. [Read: 5 ways you’re making your boyfriend lazy and 5 ways to change it back for good!]
#8 Bucket list. Try making a bucket list together – a list of things you’d both like to do before you shuffle off this mortal coil. Instead of putting things like wrestling bears and climbing Mount Everest however, try making a list of activities that are both a bit silly and fairly achievable, and start working your way through them. New adventures are guaranteed to raise a smile every time.
#9 Get practical. Not the boring, sensible kind of practical. We’re talking practical jokes. Start putting some plans together to play some tricks on friends, family, or even the general public – within reason, of course. After all, as the saying goes, the couple that laughs together, lasts forever.
#10 Snuggles and sniggers. Remember when you first started dating, and you just enjoyed being together? Well, how about trying to bring a little bit of that back into your life – turn off the TV, light some candles, let the wine flow, and do nothing but chat and relax. You may be surprised as to just how much fun this forgotten pastime actually can be. [Read: 30 naughty questions for couples to keep the spark alive in love]
