TAMPA — August marks National Romance Month and Masque Sexual Flavors is offering suggestions for couples on how to increase intimacy in their relationship this month.
"Romance doesn't have to be lost in a long-term relationship," said Michael Guilfoyle, president of Masque. "Though it takes commitment, studies prove that you can keep romance alive no matter how long you've been with your partner."
Romantic love, as defined by the American Psychological Association, has three components -- intensity, engagement and sexual interest. Guilfoyle offers a tip for each component to bring the romance back to one’s relationship:
- Intensity: To revive the intense, lustful feelings that you and your partner shared when you first met, try revisiting the romantic places from your past that are special to you. Have lunch where you spent your first date, stop by where you had your first kiss or plan a vacation to the location where you honeymooned. Reliving the romantic moments from your past will yield similar feelings and bring you closer.
- Engagement: Engage with your partner by doing new things together instead of defaulting to your standard dinner and a movie date. Studies suggest that making date night original, or essentially sharing new experiences with your partner, can activate the brain's reward system, flooding it with dopamine and norepinephrine and recreating the feelings of early courtship. Whether it's spontaneous, like taking a spur of the moment weekend road trip, or more tame, like going to a concert or hiking a trail you haven't been down, trying something new with your partner is exhilarating.
- Sexual interest: Don't put sex on the back burner because you're in a committed relationship. If sex has gotten routine, try new things in the bedroom. Try introducing intimacy enhancement products or involve your partner in coming up with things you've never tried together. Talking about sex and being adventurous can reignite interest and passion with your partner.
"Long-term relationships have many components. While companionship is part of this, it's also possible to maintain the intensity and passion," Guilfoyle said. "You can use National Romance Month as an opportunity to evaluate your relationship, increase intimacy with your partner and find new ways to bring the romance back to your relationship."
Masque Sexual Flavors are oral sex strips that dissolve on the tongue, blocking the salts, proteins and bitter tastes sometimes associated with oral sex on a man and helping improve the overall experience for both partners.
Designed with couples in mind, Masque aims to increase intimacy between partners and encourage sexual exploration, the company said.
Masque is available in watermelon, mango, strawberry and chocolate flavors.
