Getting into a new relationship is exciting, but even more exciting is taking your relationship to the next level. While it can also be scary to put your heart out there and take things up a notch, it might just turn out to be one of the best decisions you ever made. So if you think you and your partner are at that stage, here are five tips for doing it so that you can make the most of your new, special union.
1. Recreate Your First Date
If you’ve got some time in with your partner, recreating your first date to commemorate the day you take things to the next level can be romantic and meaningful. If you had a picnic in the park, you could recreate the scene in your backyard or go back to the actual park you went to on your first date. Get the same foods and the same special bottle of wine. Your partner will be incredibly grateful and surprised that you went to so much trouble to make the moment so special.
2. Talk About the Future
One of the hallmarks of a good relationship is effective communication and talking about the future is one way to take your relationship to the next level. For example, talk about the things you both expect from each other as you move forward in the relationship. Do you want kids? Do you want to get married? It’s also important to talk about your living situation. Will you move in together? Eventually buy a house? Find a time to sit down and talk about these things with your partner if you plan on having a future with them. Remember to define exactly what the next level looks like for you.
3. Splurge on Great Lingerie
Taking your relationship to the next level for you and your partner might mean you’re finally ready to get intimate. Lingerie is a great romantic gesture to get closer to your significant other and can be a fun Valentine’s Day surprise. Retailers like 3Wishes have tons of options for spicing things up, from lace halter chemises and lace bodysuits to romantic red underwire teddys and sexy satin and eyelash lace babydolls. As far as Valentine’s Day gifts go, this is one your partner will never forget.
4. Propose Marriage
If you’re at the stage where you’ve been together for a few years and you think you’re ready for marriage (and you’re sure your partner is), you can take things to the next level by proposing. Make it romantic and something she’ll always remember. Maybe start with a little nostalgia by creating a mini-movie of memories you’ve shared with your partner. Or you could propose in a fun, cute way, like writing in lipstick on the mirror or attaching the ring to a pet you share.
5. Get a Joint Bank Account
If you’re serious about your partner, moving into together, and planning a future, one of the next logical steps (if you haven’t done it already) is to merge your finances. Figure out whether you want to combine your savings and checking accounts or just one. You’ll also need to think about whether it’s smart to have your own savings account apart from each other in the event that things don’t work out (which no one wants to think about). But, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If things do work out, you could always use the money on something that benefits you both.
Moving Things Forward
Taking your relationship to the next level means moving things forward in a way that you both can appreciate. It means knowing your spouse well enough to know that what you’re doing is the right move for both of you. So ponder all of the above with your significant other before you take the leap.