Relationship expert Dr. Karyn Gordon asked men what would rekindle a romantic relationship, from their perspective.

1. Activity

• Organize and participate in activities that one’s partner likes and that one normally wouldn’t do (sporting events, action movies, etc)
• Museum and sports dates that are of mutual interest
• Weekends away
• Watching sports together
• Date nights
• Taking in a street festival together
• Getting a gift he wants that’s outside of your comfort zone (e.g. Book a weekend away to see an NFL game and buy the tickets or reserve a table at a restaurant he would like.)

2. Surprise and mystery

• Surprise getaways
• Surprising a partner by showing up to his office for an unplanned lunch
• Mix it up. Throw your partner for a loop and do something together he doesn’t expect. Variety is exciting!

3. Connecting and affirming

• Connect regularly throughout the day. Pay attention to each other; body language can show a lot when it comes to frustration, worry, happiness and pride. Hold hands, smile, praise your partner. It builds and maintains the relationship.
• Stop keeping score. It only builds resentment and makes your closest allies feel as if they’re in a competition.
• Have a quality face-to-face conversation without any interruptions. Don’t underestimate how important it is to not only be heard but also to actually feel as if you’re being heard.
• If women want romance, mood, time together? They will get it if the man gets appreciation, like a genuine thank you.

4. Heating it up

• Sexploration adventures to build on intimate connection and relationship
• Sexting
• Dressing up

5. Time alone

• Time for extreme sports to let off steam to refocus mind and body
• The freedom to do something on their own. Giving men space to enjoy themselves will bring them back closer!