Every relationship goes through its ups and downs, and the low points can be tough. Still, just because things have gone from sexy to stale doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the towel. Rather than getting down on yourself or your relationship, take a u-turn. If you and your partner have fallen out of stride, here’s how you can rekindle the romance.

1. Touch more

Physical touch is an important factor in closeness for you and your partner. Often, though, it falls by the wayside. Touching one another more often is a surefire way to pour some much-needed gasoline on that dying flame. This doesn’t mean you have to go overboard, either. Even subtle signs of affection can make a difference.

Sheri Meyers, PsyD and author of Chatting or Cheating, tells Web MD many couples make the mistake of withholding physical touch until they have the time or desire for sex. Even if it’s something as simple as holding hands or giving an unsolicited kiss on the cheek can go a long way towards boosting your connection. She said, “affectionate touch boosts the body’s feel-good hormones.”

2. Revamp your sex life

Once the honeymoon phase is over, a couple’s sex life can get, well, stale. It doesn’t take much before life gets in the way of intimacy. But don’t get discouraged. It’s just time to mix things up a bit.

One way to do just that is by bringing some spice back into the bedroom. Everyday Health suggests creating a fantasy box. You and your partner can each put a note into the box whenever an idea pops into your head. Whether you suggest a risqué new move, or share a steamy love note to get things going, a fantasy box can help reignite the spark when you need it most. Whenever things get dull and the romance dwindles, dip into the fantasy box to inspire a night of passion.

3. Schedule time for one another

Don’t fall victim to thinking romance should just happen. Like most things in life, your relationship takes work. This means you have to set aside time for your partner. Glamour suggests creating a couple’s calendar, which recognizes the importance of your relationship. Since family obligations, household responsibilities, and everything in between, can get in the way, penciling in dedicated time to be with your partner is crucial. Whether it’s going to a concert or cooking dinner together at home, the quality time will give new life to an otherwise stale relationship.

4. Jet to a romantic oasis

Traveling can be an expensive undertaking and a definite time-suck, but that’s no reason to underestimate the power of a healthy dose of R&R with the one you love. There’s no need to settle for a cousin’s destination wedding as your annual trip to someplace warm, either. Make it your mission to carve out some romantic time away, just the two of you. Need some more suggestions? We’ve got you covered.

5. Compliment each other

Complimenting your partner on the things you love about him or her is crucial to keeping the romance alive. When your relationship falls flat, think back to why you got together in the first place. Was it their sense of humor? Their uncanny ability to calm you down when you’re at your worst? Whatever the case may be, acknowledging your partner for what they have to offer will help breathe new life into your relationship.

6. Continue learning from one another

No matter how old you are, or how long you’ve been with someone, you can always learn more. You may think you know just about everything about your significant other, but people are always changing. As MSN says, listen intently, and keep learning from one another. In doing so, you’ll keep things interesting, and you may be surprised as to what you’ll find out. The two of you just may be able to reconnect on a newer, deeper level.