Tips to keep the passion alive in a relationship

A new study by Dr Enzo Emanuele of the University of Pavia in Italy says that there is a biochemical reason for losing interest in your lover after just 12 months. So forget the 7-year itch; we may get tired of our partner in just one year. The chemical is protein called Nerve Growth Factor, which causes those telltale palpitations, sweaty palms and butterflies. So when you don't want to get out of the bedroom early in your relationship, there are chemicals working behind the screen. It does not mean that the love reduces or disappears; it is just that the intensity wears off.

What can you do to keep the passion alive?

1. Just change with time. As one of our readers commented, if you eat chicken sandwich every day for one year, you will eventually get tired of it. Don't let that happen to you. So if your partner always sees something new about you, he or she will always be intrigued and interested.
2. Take a break from each other. My wife and I take two weeks off (from each other) around our anniversary. We do our own little things, be it a business trip, or just visiting our families. And then when we meet - mostly at a vacation spot for couples, we literally start like a new couple each year. Might sound funny and difficult to do, but trust me, it can work for anyone. All you need to do is to have an open mind and just do it.
3. Keep the distance from your partner. A lot of couples believe that a great indicator of the strength of their relationship is that they are always together and doing the same things. That is a recipe for disaster. Have a life beyond that with your partner. Develop your hobbies. Go do things alone or with your friends and family members. That way you will have so much to tell and ask your partner.

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