The word "curiosity" is defined as an eager desire to learn something new or see something unfamiliar, which leads people to explore and investigate topics that interest them. Curiosity can be seen in many different aspects of life, including personal development, scientific discoveries, and social interactions. When it comes to romantic partnerships, however, maintaining curiosity may seem challenging because couples tend to know each other very well after years together. Despite this, there are several strategies that can help keep couples curious about one another for decades. This article will outline some of those strategies and offer examples to illustrate their effectiveness.
Make Time For Each Other
One strategy for sustaining curiosity is simply making time for each other. In today's busy world, couples often struggle to find quality time together due to work, family obligations, and other commitments. By setting aside regular time to connect and communicate without distractions, couples can reignite their interest in each other.
Example: "Jim and Sarah have been married for 20 years, but they still make sure to set aside one night per week to go out on a date."
Try New Experiences Together
Another way to maintain curiosity is to try new experiences together. Couples who engage in activities outside their comfort zone, whether it's traveling to a new destination or trying a new hobby, can rekindle the excitement and intrigue that they felt at the beginning of their relationship.
Example: "John and Susan had never gone skydiving before, so they decided to take a tandem jump together on their anniversary trip."
Stay Open To Change
Couples should remain open to change and growth over time. As people age, their interests and priorities may shift, which can lead them to question their partner's habits and behaviors. By accepting these changes and adapting to them, couples can keep things fresh and exciting.
Example: "Mary and Bob used to disagree about politics, but they found common ground when Mary started working with refugees at her church."
Sustaining curiosity in long-term relationships requires effort and intentionality. By making time for each other, trying new experiences, and embracing change, couples can continue to explore and learn from each other for many years to come.
What strategies sustain curiosity about a partner after decades of familiarity?
The main strategy for maintaining curiosity about a partner after years of familiarity is communication and intimacy. According to researchers from Northwestern University, couples who feel comfortable discussing their feelings and desires with each other experience more positive marital outcomes than those who avoid such topics (Campbell et al. , 2017).