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relationships,love life,singles
Couple sitting on the sofa
By Annabelle Hood
Come rain or shine, there are so many little ways to make your partner\'s heart melt this summer...
Ask him what special thing he\'d like to do this evening/weekend/holiday - unconditionally. That means no strings, no ulterior motive, no guilt trips, just the way he likes it. (Your turn next time!)
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple laying in the bath
Bathe together. Recent research revealed that couples who hop into the bath or shower together are more likely to stay together and lead an active sex life.
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relationships,love life,singles
Woman thinking positive
Count your blessings. Let him know the reasons why you love him. Think he\'s heard them all before? Invent a new one! Researchers studying happy couples found they tended to give each other five times more positive attention (compliments) than negative attention or criticism.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple eating outside
Dine
alfresco.
Set at least one night a week to date your partner. Can\'t afford to eat out? Enjoy a romantic sundowner picnic under the stars.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple going for a walk
Enjoy the simple things. When was the last time you got back to basics, like bringing your partner breakfast in bed or suggesting an evening stroll after work? It\'s not all about socks dropped on the floor you know...
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple looking happy
Forget grievances and resolve things before the day is through. Whoever said "never go to a sleep on an argument" knew a thing or two about fulfilling relationships.
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relationships,love life,singles
Woman looking happy
Give each other space. A good relationship is like a well aired room. So fling open those ‘windows\' and each arrange to meet up with your mates. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple looking happy
Hear
what each of you has to say. That means switching off your mobile and genuinely acknowledging your partner speaking, without getting distracted.
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relationships,love life,singles
Groupe of friends having dinner
Include his friends and/or family in shared activities like an outdoor pub lunch or picnic. Not so keen on one of his pals? Meeting as a group means others can talk to him or her.
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relationships,love life,singles
Woman making her boyfriend laugh
Joke with him. Tickle him, put your knickers on your head - whatever makes you share a giggle - he\'ll find your company irresistible and fall in love with you all over again.
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relationships,love life,singles
Loving couple
Know that there is
so much more to life than work and household chores! Plan a nice holiday, weekend break or outing together over the months ahead. Remind each other that you have this to look forward to if either of you ever needs a cheer up.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple cuddling
Let go of the need to be right. The pay-off may seem worth the fight at the time, but the long term cost will chip away at your relationship. Be generous with an apology, swallow your pride and watch love bloom.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple cuddling
Massage and stroke each other\'s head, neck and shoulders, even if only for 30 seconds (and fully clothed!). "Only 7% of communication is verbal," says relationship advice expert Dr Phil. "Actions and non-verbal communication speak much louder."
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple smiling at each other
Nip a squabble in the bud by taking a deep silent breath and allowing the angered party to
completely finish their sentence and train of thought. When they\'ve finished (they will go silent) and
not before, ask them in a neutral, non-angry way if there\'s anything else they need to add. A sure-fire way to prevent tempers escalating, because ultimately we all want to feel heard and understood.
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relationships,love life,singles
Man offering to carry a womans bags
Offer to help carry a bag, run an errand, or pay for something. It\'s not rocket science, but making your other half feel appreciated (and not taken for granted) will fuel the wings of love.
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relationships,love life,singles
Group of friends having a sumemr BBQ
Plan a summer surprise party for him, no matter when his birthday is. Warn guests of the date well in advance, so his closest mates and family members can definitely attend.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple kissing
Question the need to play nookie by the book. Forget the bedroom for your sexual antics. Throw caution to the wind and strip off in the kitchen, or get fruity in the bathroom for a change.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple going canoeing
Rent a rowing boat, bikes, or borrow a friend\'s dog and head out to the park for some summer sun and fresh air à deux. Remember water, sun cream and sun hats to prevent hot tempers later.
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relationships,love life,singles
Woman blow drying her hair
Surprise him. Are you always late? Usually wear your hair a certain way? Does he always drive? Try something a little different next time. Variety is the spice of love, as well as life.
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relationships,love life,singles
Woman and man exchanging gifts
Treat
each other with little heartfelt gifts. They needn\'t be costly, impressive or for a special occasion. Picking a daisy or buying his favourite snack on the way home will do.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple decorating a room and kissing
Use it or lose it! Work those creative juices. This summer, look up some new recipes, get out the paints, or get into outdoor photography together.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple visiting a theme park
Venture out of your weekend comfort zone. Instead of an afternoon down the pub, take a day trip to the coast, or head to the countryside for a village fête, fair or festival. Have an adventure.
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relationships,love life,singles
Woman with long legs
Wear clothes that show off your best assets - men are said to be ‘visual\' after all... Whether you\'ve got great legs or a flat tum, if you can\'t show it off in the summer, when can you?
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple kissing
Xxx.
Share sizzling smooches with your other half, for a scorcher of a summer whatever the weather.
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relationships,love life,singles
Couple on a romantic trip away
Yahoo or google some great summer trips and romantic restaurant ideas and book them in the diary now. Refuse to let financial concerns, work or family pressures get in the way.
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relationships,love life,singles
Woman sleeping
Zzzz. Got kids? Arrange to have them stay with friends or your parents for once. You\'ll need the luxury of a weekend lie-in after making the most of those long hot summer nights.
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