You know that time when you start something new and everything seems apples?

Perhaps you have just started a new job. There is an office full of new people to meet, remember and judge. New clients and new processes. Perhaps you have just moved in to a new home. It is fresh, clean and just feels new. You may have just shelled out a whole bunch of beans to get a sweet new ride. Or perhaps you have met a new person you have a crush on. You get those silly butterflies in your stomach and you can’t wait to see them.

But then as time goes by, it becomes just another job. Or you don’t wash your car every week inside and out. It gets its first scratch or dent. You only vacuum every second weekend. I can understand why the sheen dulls when it comes to these things.

But that one that disappoints me the most, is when that honeymoon period dies in a new relationship. I don’t think there is a signpost that tells you it is over. But perhaps it is when you start to run out of firsts. First weekend away together. First function with all their friends. First time meeting their family. All those firsts that are a bit scary and a lot exciting.

Now relationships are far from my strong point. But they are something that I have identified in my SWOT and am working on. Being less selfish is helping me do this.

One way to keep things interesting is to take the time to make it special. Perhaps every Thursday is date night? Or once a month you take a weekend away. Go camping or to a beach house. Maybe turn your phone off and ignore everyone else.

I think the solution is different for everyone. But taking the time to keep the fire burning and those butterflies is so important. New jobs come and go. As do new cars and apartments.

But that special person is one in a million.