Relationships are hard work.

Here a six tips for long-term relationship health, according to a sex and relationship therapist.

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Time flies when youre in love.

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Long-term relationships are hard work.

Keep reading for Dr. Mintzs top tips for long-term relationship health.

6 therapist-approved tips for long-term relationship health

1.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

author, public speaker, professor, sexual psychologist, and certified sex and relationship therapist based in Florida.

Work through issues as soon as they arise

Dissecting relationship problems with your S.O.

That doesnt mean youre always happy, Dr. Mintz caveats.

Real couples have real conflicts.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

After this period, says Dr. Mintz, its natural for couples to have less sex and physical intimacy.

That was not spontaneous.

Furthermore, scheduling sex dates gives both partners something to look forward to.

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Dr. Mintzs best tip for initiative sex after a dry spell?

Just do it: Its like driving a car in the winter, she says.

Youve got to scrape off the ice, andthenyou can have a nice drive.

Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

author, public speaker, professor, sexual psychologist, and certified sex and relationship therapist based in Florida.

If your partner turns towards you, turn towards them, she says.

Filling your partners cup means giving them whattheywant, not whatyouwant, says Dr. Mintz.

They share a growth mindset

Do you believe people are in charge of their lives?

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Or do you believe that destiny decides it all?

you could change every facet of it, should you decide to.

And, says Dr. Mintz, its an empowering mindset for long-term couples.

Courtesy Berkley Publishing

So, consider taking a dance class, going rock climbing, or trying a new restaurant together.

This isnt to say you should try anything youre uncomfortable with (like dont!

), but be willing to explore and try new things in the bedroom.

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