Yes, It's Possible For Your Long-Term Relationship To Stay Sexy — Here's How

As a relationship graduates into the long-term realm, the passion will change—but it doesn't have to disappear. Even if the flame has fizzled, a juicy connection can be rekindled with intention and a little work (if you can really call Dame's sexual wellness toys "work"). We know relationships are one of the most fulfilling aspects of life, so to keep yours burning bright, we connected with certified sex therapist Holly Richmond, Ph.D., LMFT, CST.

Limerence inevitably fades, but something just as valuable takes its place. "In healthy, long-term relationships, security—secure attachment—starts to take the place of novelty and excitement, which leads people to believe the spark is gone. It isn't necessarily gone, it just needs to be re-lit in a different way," she describes.

Novelty and sexual desire go hand-in-hand. As novelty fades into familiarity, what excites us will change—but no need to panic. Relighting the spark is not a sign of failure but an opportunity to understand our loved one in a new way. "To rekindle the spark, remember who each other is outside of the relationship," Holly explains. "Reflect on the qualities that attracted you to your partner in the early days. Who are they outside of how they relate to you? Many times, when we move into security…we leave the independent and autonomous parts of ourselves behind. To reignite our partner's interest in us and us in them, we need to reengage our authenticity."

But how do we turn that spark into a warm, romantic fire? By regularly stoking connection through activities that arouse intrigue and novelty:

"New toys and products check the novelty box," Holly confirms. "I recommend Dame products because I know they are safe and do not include toxic materials, and they are designed and engineered with female bodies in mind, which have been historically overlooked by many adult product manufacturers." But beyond reigniting the flame, Dame helps us stay connected to the sexual aspect of our well-being. "I appreciate that Dame's products consider sexual health as an essential part of overall health and therefore create products that support a healthy lifestyle, inclusive of all types of people and relationships, as well as body positivity and sex positivity."

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.