Behind this question lies a deeper one: How can love stay fresh and last long?

Before sharing some practical tips, let’s talk about the nature of maintaining “freshness” in a relationship.

From a biological perspective, we know the passion during the honeymoon phase comes from “hormonal love”—mainly the release of dopamine. But as love becomes routine, that excitement quietly fades, and our attention shifts to new and novel things. Simply put, intense attraction and the honeymoon phase aren’t meant to last forever. If dopamine alone can’t sustain a relationship, then what can?

In love, there’s another hormone at play: the “cuddle hormone”—oxytocin. Oxytocin helps build intimacy and connection between people, creating feelings of trust and affection. The more oxytocin we release, the easier it is to develop a close, dependent bond with our partner. Expressing attention, understanding, approval, and affection through nonverbal emotional cues—like tone of voice, facial expressions, or gentle physical contact such as hugging, kissing, holding hands, eye contact, and smiling—stimulates oxytocin production. (Men produce oxytocin too—it’s not just for women!)

In intimate relationships, hugging, caressing, kissing, laughing together, and sharing joyful moments all promote oxytocin release. This helps partners build extraordinary closeness. Oxytocin also strengthens emotional bonds, increases loyalty, encourages exclusivity, discourages infidelity, and stabilizes long-term relationships.

Therefore, compared to passion and strong attraction, intimacy and commitment have a greater impact on love’s longevity.

Here are a few practical tips to keep things fresh:

Use sex toys

Try lingerie or sexy games

Experiment with role-playing