8 ways to rekindle the spark in your relationship

6. HAVE SEX BEFORE YOU GO OUT You hopped in the shower and got dressed in a fancy outfit. Reservations are booked for your favorite romantic restaurant and you’re looking forward to a great

night on the town together. But why wait until the end of the date to seal the deal?   “There’s this idea that sex comes after you’ve had your romantic night out, but what if you tried doing

it first?” says Rena Martine, a certified life coach and the author of _The Sex You Want: A Shameless Journey to Deep Intimacy, Honest Pleasure, and a Life You Love_. “Having sex before

your date makes it less likely you’ll be too tired or full – and also gives you the freedom to go for round two, later,” says Martine, who received a certificate in positive psychology from

the University of Pennsylvania. So, the next time you’re all dolled up and ready to hit the town, make a stop in the bedroom first. 7. BUY SOME PROPS You know those adult shops you drive by

sometimes? Dare yourselves to step inside and do a little browsing. “Explore the intriguing world of toys and games and engage in open communication about what interests each of you,” says

Flood. This could mean trying out a toy, buying a costume to role-play in or getting some lube to make sex more enjoyable. Aging and menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, with as many as 50

percent of postmenopausal women reporting such symptoms, so a little lube can go a long way. “If the idea of a physical store is intimidating, consider pursuing websites like Good

Vibrations for exciting options,” Flood, who is based in Campbell, California,  adds. 8. COMMUNICATE SEXUAL FANTASIES Have something you’ve been wanting to try? Maybe you want to watch an

erotic film with your significant other, act out a particular fantasy or engage in some role play. Martine defines fantasies as “any mental image that comes to mind that turns you on – which

can be as simple as imagining a new position to try or the thought of taking a bubble bath together.” “Research tells us that couples who enact their fantasies show the highest rates of

relationship satisfaction, but that same research also reveals [that] fewer than half of folks will ever tell their partner about their fantasies,” adds Martine. One way she suggests doing

this is to have you and your partner each write down something you’ve always wanted to try, and seal it in an envelope. Before exchanging envelopes, have a conversation about how you’re

feeling about sharing your fantasy. Nervous? Excited? “Once you two feel comfortable enough to swap envelopes, go for it,” Martine adds.