Anyone who has been in a relationship for a significant period of time can tell you that eventually you and your partner will settle into a comfortable routine together and will share so many things that often communication simply isn't needed at times. Has your partner ever given you "The Look?" Married men, you know what I'm talking about there - the "Look" sends even grown men into panicked confusion. You know when you receive The Look that you are in trouble for something. Women, has the man in your life ever paids more attention to you than usual? Has he suddenly become a lot more loving and caring? And you generally know that this means he's either done something wrong, or is "in the mood". We get to know our partners so well that often we assume that things go without needing to be said, which unfortunately includes those 3 magic words, "I Love You".



Especially when you have been in a relationship for a very long time, you naturally assume that the other person knows that you love them and wouldn't be with them if you weren't in love with them. And after years of being together, you may still say "I love you", however it is said with the same tone and with about the same intent as if you were saying "Good morning" to them.

Love is one of the most potent, and most life-changing emotions that we as humans feel. Therefore, to communicate your love for someone else is often a difficult task as no one can really describe what love feels like. However, it is important for you to make an effort to communicate your love to your partner in unique and interesting new ways so that they are aware of how sincere and deep your love is.

One of the ways you can show your deep love for another person is a love letter. Especially in this age of technology where emails send our thoughts and feelings instantaneously with the click of a button, instant messengers allow us to speak to each other from thousands of miles away, and people carry phones everywhere, the simple act of taking the time and effort to actually write out a love letter to your partner can be one of the most sincere and touching things you can do. You don't have to be flowery and romantic, and you don't have to worry about what sounds right or wrong. The very fact that you took the time to write it down on paper (which is so much more permanent than emails or text messages!) shows that you truly care about that person. While you can be elaborate with scented and printed stationary, or very basic and jotting it down on a notepad, the thoughts behind it will still get through.

Another wonderful way of saying I love you is to constantly let the other person know you are thinking about them. Again, when you get into a long-term relationship, you are probably easily distracted by other things and you know your partner will always be there for you and that creates a sense of security where you don't feel the need to constantly remind them of your thoughts. However, people in general love attention and shows of affection. So whether it's leaving little notes around the house, giving short shoulder rubs, hugging, or just letting them know you appreciate them, there are a thousand little ways you can constantly remind your significant other of your love for them and your recognition of their being in the relationship with you.

Also, you can always "freshen up" an old relationship by throwing new spice into it. Do something together that you haven't done since you were teenagers or just beginning to date. For example, when is the last time you just did some serious necking with your partner? Without worrying about getting past 3rd base, that is? And you can also have dates, go see events that interest you both, or even just open up communication about things you have never told the other person about before.

Finally, be sure to share some activities with your partner. Find something you both would like to do, but have never done together, such as horseback riding, playing video games, making a website together or something else that can bring you together in a close way and allow you to share in the happiness of the moment. Relationships may get old and even boring after some time, so be sure to keep things fresh and exciting and remind your partner just how much you appreciate them being in your life!