When the honeymoon stage is over....

Artist // Philippa Rice

I know it's crazy, but that stage can actually leave our love filled minds. Suddenly everything goes from cake and sprinkles to day old bread and glitter you can't get out of your fucking hair. But fear not! It doesn't mean the relationship is over, it's a perfectly normal thing. And here's how not to make it into the worst time in your relationship-life!

1. Small things matters.

It can be anything from a post-it note saying "You're the best" to buying them their favourite chocolate bar when you're in the shop any way. It never has to be expensive jewellery, newest video games or a trip around Asia, a simple little thing can make a huge difference.

2. Remember "us time".

A thing a lot of couple can forget is to take time off to each others. And it's not just time to sit down and watch the same TV programme, it's actually spending quality time together. If it's going out to a museum, going bowling, to a resturant, even just a walk, it can do wonders to reconnect.

3. Pick flowers, not fights.

Having been with the same guy for 5 years, it's easy to get annoyed at the small things, and even easier to make it into a huge fight. But if you want to have a future with this person, you need to realise that fighting isn't going to solve anything. Calmly ask your love to put down the toilet seat, go out with the bin or whatever that needs to be done.

4. Give space.

I'm a person who needs space. If it's going for a walk alone, going to the movies with friends or just be left alone in my chair to read a bit, whatever it is, I need it else I will explode. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. Accepting and being okay with your partner needing space is so important. Never feel like it's a way of being pushed away. Your partner loves you but for fucks sake if you don't give some space you might end up as dinner for the dogs at the kennel.

5. Talk about it, even if you feel silly about it.

A bit similar to 4, but if something is bothering you, tell them. As nice as it would be, your partner isn't a mind reader. Feel a bit insecure because your partner has some good looking friends? Talk about it. Sean and I do this time to time, I feel insecure about something and just need it out of my head because else it'll eat me up. And yes, it's silly, I know, but if you let it build up, it can get 10 times worse.