THEY may call it the seven-year itch for a reason - for some couples that's when one partner or both starts itching for new company as things become monotonous. As they say, variety is the spice of life, and ask any couple and they will tell you of the extreme challenge it is to keep their partner interested.

But no fear. Despite what people may say, it is possible to keep the flame burning for just one partner - and to have his/her flame burning just for you too.

Here are 8 ways those in the know suggest for keeping the fire burning, even when temptation is at its peak.

1. Know when to turn up the heat.
Don't allow things to get too cold between you and your partner. You have to know when to turn up the heat or add more logs to keep the flames alive. So try to do simple stuff that he/she does not expect you to, to show him/her that he/she is still number one. Have special vacations planned where he/she can have you all to themselves. Send away the kids to summer camp and then both of you can turn the place upside down. Just do whatever it takes to reassure him/her that you are still that sexy girl/guy they fell in love with 20 years ago.

2. Always warm each other's heart.
Don't allow your other half to get the feeling that the relationship is getting redundant. Make sure you add fuel to the fire every chance you get. Send a little note to him/her during his work hours to make him/her know you are thinking of them. For birthdays and anniversaries, make sure you go all out to make them know they are special. Just a message on their answering machine or voicemail, saying "I love you" should warm their heart.

3. Keep an eye on the fire.
Couples who end up having lasting relationships are usually those who are observant. If your spouse is having rough times at work, then you should know just by his/her change in attitude. You can quickly offer encouragement before this situation sucks the life and passion out of your relationship. Be extra affectionate and make his/her life less stressing by taking on some of the activities that was relegated to them.

4. Don't leave the fireplace empty.
If your work takes you away from your spouse a lot, make sure when you do get together, enough sparks are there to keep him/her satisfied for a good while. If you are in a long distance relationship, it becomes much easier for his/her interest to turn to another. But when you meet you can give them reasons enough why they shouldn't stray.

5. Don't ever put out the blaze.
Issues like cheating, dishonesty and arrogance can extinguish the fire in your relationship in a flash. Keep these things out of the relationship at all times. If you are having relationship issues, then discuss it peacefully so that you can get back the passion in your love life.

6. Choose the best types of fuel.
Not everything is good for your marriage. While experimenting is good, it is always better to ask your partner what they prefer in your relationship. Know their likes and dislikes so that you can choose only those things that pleases them. If they are not into that type of movie, then just let them be, don't try to push the issue.

7. It takes two to turn up the heat.
A good relationship involves some amount of compromise. If one is always giving, then pretty soon the passion and love will die. Make sure both of you play a part in keeping the passion alive in the relationship. If one of you is always the one making all the dinner reservations, planning all those extra- special evenings, and cancelling all those big engagements to play hooky, then the flames can be put out without you even realising it.

8. Don't be afraid to use up all your fuel.
Sometimes special circumstances warrant special interventions. If you want to save a dying relationship, then you have to be prepared to use up all your energy. If he's worth it, just give it everything you've got. Don't be too quick to file the divorce papers.

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Cheeky's World