Silver and Gold Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 25

5. Put those smart phones away. The bedroom is no place for Facebook and Twitter. It gets in the way of intimate communication, and paying attention to other while your lover is right there is a turn off. 6. Watch your alcohol consumption. Too many drinks can cloud your judgment and detach you from the moment. This is particularly important when having serious and heartfelt discussions. Although alcohol can reduce inhibitions, making it easier to speak, it can also increase the chances of saying hurtful and unproductive things you don’t really mean. 7. Don’t overdose on too many romantic comedies. All those happily-ever-after movies can set up unrealistic expectations for both partners. Better yet, why not just turn off the TV? 9. The magic touch. Touch is one of our most powerful senses. Holding hands, walking arm in arm, stroking her hair, patting him on the butt – are all ways of saying I love you without speaking. Couples that demonstrate their love for one another using these small physical gestures feel a closer connection. 10. Honour each other in some way every day. Look for opportunities to make your relationship sweeter. Little things such as a kind word, a card or note, flowers – they’re not corny. They are wonderful. Finally, remember to give what you would like to get in return. If you want to feel understood, try to be more understanding. If you want more love, try giving more love.• 8. Get Busy at least once a week. Studies have demonstrated that having sex is good for you in many ways. It’s good for both your physical and emotional health, and couples that make love regularly tend to be happier in general. If you and/or your partner could use a little extra help, consider trying safe and natural health products to address sexual health issues. As always, consult your healthcare professional if you think you may be experiencing a more serious issue. Mark is a partner with Muse Marketing Group. He writes about design, marketing, consumer behaviour, and social media issues. Creating and maintaining healthy relationships is a recurring theme in his work. musemarketinggroup.ca 吀愀欀攀 愀 渀愀琀甀爀愀氀 愀瀀瀀爀漀愀挀栀 䠀攀攀稀伀渀글 椀猀 愀 猀愀昀攀 愀渀搀  愀氀氀ⴀ渀愀琀甀爀愀氀 猀甀瀀瀀氀攀洀攀渀琀 昀漀爀  洀攀渀⸀ 䌀氀