One of the biggest reasons couples whose relationships have stood the test of time give for their relationship working is that they have kept it fresh.   That's the topic we will be exploring today - and just how to do that. It has been said that the devil's workshop resides in complacency.  Here are some ideas to make sure that your relationship never becomes boring and always keeps growing.

Craig & Angela Bickford share their thoughts in this week's He Said/She Said.

He Says:
For me, the most important part of keeping a relationship heading in the right direction is finding common ground and taking the time to spend together, doing the things that you enjoy. Communicating about the types things that you like to do, and especially talking about things that you are unfamiliar with, with your partner, is the key. Being willing to try something new, whether it be going to an event that you would not have tried because your partner enjoys it, or coming up with something out of left field that neither of you have tried before. For me, I truly enjoy eating dinner at nice restaurants and exploring food. I also like to travel, and luckily, for my wife and I, she does also.  I feel that it is very important to have time together as a couple. Even if that means putting the kids to bed a little early and staying up to watch a movie together, spend time enjoying each other. The more often you do this, the stronger your relationship is going to be.

She Says:
I agree. It's important to find things that you can do together as a couple. It's even more important to sometimes do things that your partner enjoys even if you don't - it will show them that you care. For example, I hate going shopping alone, so sometimes I ask my husband to tag along. He hates it, but he does it because he knows that it's important to me, and we end up having a pretty good time together in the end. Another way we compromise for the sake of making sure we spend time together - eating out. He loves Mexican food; me - not so much. But, when we go out to eat, rather than it always being about where I want to go, I'll 'give in' and let him take us to a Mexican restaurant. After all, who doesn't like chips and queso? This lets him know that I'm willing to do what he likes, and it strengthens are relationship that much more - all while spending time together. Now, that's not to say that we always drop everything and spend 1-on-1 time with no distractions. Sometimes, we spend time together by both being in the same room, but doing something different. This happens from time to time, and it's comforting just knowing that the other person is there. Another idea for busy couples - set a date night. Make it a point, and a priority, to do something with each other every week. In the end, finding ways to spend time together, adding some new ways in there or ways that your spouse prefers but you don't, and making it a point to do so, will all keep your relationship going.

Do you have a topic you want discussed on He Said/She Said? Just email us at blogs@simplycyfair.com with your topic idea and we'll do our best to give you the low-down from the male AND female perspective.