Romance needs more than roses

As a bride planning her wedding day, it's easy to get caught up in the romance surrounding the occasion. Times spent with your fiancé are especially dreamy, and it's hard to imagine a time when you're romance won't be a bed of roses. But after the wedding, it takes more than chocolates and wine to keep romance alive.

"Flowers, chocolates and those things are very nice but they won't make the relationship better long-term," says Elaine Watson, a relationship expert. "It's not just about that rose . . . it's about watering that rose and keeping it fresh."

Experts say there are many ways to create and sustain a mutually fulfilling relationship. However, it's important to keep in mind that every relationship is unique and what may work for some couples, may not work for you. The key to a long-lasting and loving marriage is to recognize that while passion and romance may wane, true intimacy only grows richer with
time.

Here are some strategies for enhancing your relationship and staying connected to your partner.

• Accept your differences.
  Even the most compatible couples have their differences but, instead of
  trying to change their partners, they learn to accept and embrace these
  differences. Loving someone completely means accepting the whole person,
  including his or her faults and limitations.
  
  
• Make time for each other.
  No matter how hectic your schedules may be, experts say it's imperative
  that you make time for one another in order to sustain your emotional
  connection. Try to spend some uninterrupted time together every day, even if
  it's only for 10 to 15 minutes, and set aside at least one evening a week to
  be alone and nurture your relationship. Focus on you and your partner and
  avoid talking about work, kids or other responsibilities.
  
  
• Become reacquainted with your partner.
  Remember those intimate talks you had when you were first dating when
  you revealed your innermost thoughts, dreams, fears and aspirations? Sharing
  your secrets and feelings is important to keeping the romance alive.
  
  
• Do something romantic every day.
  Being romantic in the early stages of a relationship comes naturally to
  most couples but, over time, the exchange of gifts, compliments and other
  romantic gestures tends to wane. Keeping the romance alive in your marriage
  is one of the best ways to express your love and appreciation for your
  spouse and will help keep your relationship fresh.
  
  
• Be creative
  Nothing's sexier than a healthy dose of imagination.
  
  
• Be young at heart
  Treat every experience like it's your first time.
  
  
• Be spontaneous
  Love, like an open flame, is spontaneous and uncontrollable.
  
  
• Be sensual
  Sensuality is a state of mind, an intimate connection.
  
  
• Be just the way you are
  You can't be anything to anyone if you can't be yourself