It’s important to make romance a priority, but that doesn’t mean date night has to be a full-blown production every time.
In fact, switching things up with a few shortcuts can actually make your love life feel fresher and more exciting. Here are a few traditional elements of seduction that aren’t always required.
Wining and Dining
Dinner at a fancy restaurant is a treat, but it’s not always conducive to hot sex. Drinks and a big meal can take up the whole evening and leave you feeling bloated and sleepy. Instead of making reservations, make intimacy the main course. Have sex before dinner, then order a pizza and share a bottle of wine in front of the TV afterward. The evening will still be yummy and relaxing, but you don’t have to worry about indigestion at delicate moments, and your partner won’t be mad if you doze off.
Conversation
Not only can you take a pass on the big meal, you can cut the chatter too. Baring your souls to one another is lovely, but sometimes conversation can be a big libido killer. The question “How was your day, dear?” can result in a lot of small talk that’s either distracting or stressful. Who cares about the meeting, the commute or the kids’ sports—especially when you’re trying to get into an erotic state of mind? Shut up and kiss me.
The Bedroom
The master suite is a place of refuge and rest, but its comforting familiarity can also make it feel like the least sexy place on earth (yawn). Explore other secluded spots in your home, like the bathroom, the laundry room, or even the pantry. Simply finding a new locale can inject a little adventure and spice into your routine.
Getting Naked
Every woman has times when she doesn’t feel all that confident about her body. On those days, maybe you’d feel more comfortable staying covered up. Permission granted! Wear a T-shirt, a nightie, or tie a big scarf around your waist. And if you’re feeling particularly self-conscious, slap a blindfold or sleep mask on your man. You won’t feel exposed and he won’t mind a bit. Just make sure you don’t gripe if he keeps his socks on next time.
Orgasms
Don’t get me wrong, orgasms are awesome, but they’re not always a requirement for lovemaking. In fact, the expectation that everything has got to end in mutual fireworks can feel like pressure. So just relax, enjoy what you’re feeling, and don’t worry about achieving any particular outcome. Intimacy comes in all different shades of sensation. But don’t fake it! That’s misleading and gives your guy the wrong cues about what satisfies you.
