How to spice up your relationship: 20 practical ideas

Routine isn't inevitable. Here are 20 practical ideas, from the simplest to the boldest.

Small gestures

1. An unexpected message during the day that has nothing to do with chores.
2. A precise, sincere compliment every day.
3. A hidden note in their pocket or bag.
4. An outfit chosen for the other, on a weeknight.
5. A ten-second kiss instead of a quick peck.

Dates

6. One evening a week reserved for the two of you.
7. The mystery date: they only know the time and the outfit.
8. Your first date, replayed, as if you'd never met.
9. A hotel night at home.
10. A themed evening: 1930s Paris, the Riviera, Halloween.

Games for two

11. Intimate questions, once a month.
12. Truth or dare, grown-up and elegant.
13. Random dares, in three bowls: sweet, daring, forbidden.
14. Role-play, to become two strangers again.
15. Secret rules, that bring mystery back.

Novelty

16. A new place: another room, a hotel, a weekend away.
17. A new activity: dancing, cooking, massage.
18. A new accessory: mask, blindfold, silk scarf.

Talking

19. Talk about your desires, calmly, outside the bedroom.
20. Debrief after an evening: what did you enjoy most?

The golden rule

One new thing at a time, always within each other's limits. Spice comes from surprise, not pressure. And if you want to go faster, a ready-to-play couples game combines several of these ideas in a single evening.