9 Small Mistakes That Can Create Boredom In Your Relationship, Even If You're With "The One"

Even though it's healthy to have predictable, stable routines, it's important not to get too wrapped up in them to the point where you and your partner become bored with your lives — and possibly with each other.

"Routines can be comforting. But, too many are terrible for relationships," Bennett says. "Early relationships are exciting because they are fun and spontaneous. Long-term relationships become stale because everything is scheduled and boring."

That's why it's important to mix things up. Even peppering small changes into your week, such as getting coffee at a new cafe, can help keep things fresh.

While you should obviously feel free to check your email, or scroll through social media, one mistake many couples make is doing so too often — and accidentally ignoring each other as a result.

"I find that technology [...] can create disconnect and boredom, so I encourage couples to put the phones down from time to time and engage in conversation or listen to music that can connect them," therapist Jessica McCormack, LMFT, of Self Care Path, LLC, tells Bustle.

Whether you're eating dinner together, going on a date, or just hanging out, give each other your full attention. You never know what new things you'll learn about each other if you truly listen.

When you're with your "soulmate," it's likely you'll want to do everything together. And that's fine. But don't get sucked into the belief that you have to be connected at the hip, if you'd prefer not to be.

"If you spend all of your time with your partner, it’s easy to get bored [with each other]," Bennett says. So don't be afraid to "find activities that don’t involve your partner," such as hobbies that involve spending time alone or getting out of the house.

While you don't have to shun each other, having some alone time can make a big difference. "That brief absence provides just enough time apart to avoid seeing each other too much and feeling bored," Bennett says.

Even if you're with "The One," don't let that lull you into thinking you can't or shouldn't argue. Not only is it important to speak your mind and potentially disagree, but doing so in a healthy way can keep you both on your toes in a way that prevents boredom.

"If you’re constantly trying to please your partner, that means you’ve lost your passion," Bennett says. "All great relationships involve some type of conflict." You don't have to create fake arguments just for the sake of arguing, but don't try to prevent them, either.

While chemistry can be a natural thing, even "soulmate" couples have to make an effort to keep their initial relationship spark alive. So don't be afraid to put in that little bit of extra effort, possibly by having new experiences together, talking about new topics, going out on fun date nights, and so on.

"Research suggests that stagnation in relationships can start to make people feel as if they no longer have chemistry or interest in their partner," licensed psychologist Dr. Danielle Forshee, tells Bustle. "Shifting your routine every once in a while to include [...] little surprises or exciting activities will help combat boredom."

As the years go on, and you fall into those aforementioned routines, it can be easy to forget about anniversaries, small holidays, and even birthdays. But don't let these moments slip by unnoticed.

"Frequent celebrations demonstrate your love and appreciation for each other," Tina B. Tessina, PhD, (aka "Dr. Romance"), psychotherapist and author of How to be Happy Partners: Working it out Together, tells Bustle. "Organize festivities with friends, or celebrate alone together. Go away for the weekend to mark a special event or simply to celebrate the fact of your continuing love [...] A celebration need not be expensive."

The point is that you acknowledge these moments, and each other.

Think back to the earliest days of your relationship, and what attracted you to your partner. You likely did a lot of flirting, and a lot of trying to impress one another. And that shouldn't stop.

"Whatever makes you swoon, make sure it's a regular part of your lives so that things stay spicy," Andrea Amour, founder of UpDate Coaching, tells Bustle.

While you might think date nights are reserved for people who are just getting to know each other, they're actually a tradition you should try to keep now, and into the future.

And, if you're already going out on dates, be sure to switch it up. "Try different restaurants in [different] towns," Xanet Pailet, Sex Coach and author of Living an Orgasmic Life, tells Bustle. "Look for fun couples activities like [...] massages. Take a partner dance class, partner yoga class, or go tandem biking. Splurge and spend a night in a hotel!" Anything that'll get you out of your comfort zone, and insert some fun back into your relationship.

Whatever you do, don't make the mistake of taking yourselves — or life in general — too seriously. Instead, make it a point to laugh, have fun, and be lighthearted with each other.

"Through laughter, you and your partner can relieve pressure and remind yourselves that you're human," Dr. Tessina says. "A joke, a silly gesture [...] or gift can often heighten intimacy." And help stave off any feelings of boredom.

While you certainly can't expect to have fun 24/7, that doesn't mean you should stop making an effort, or allow your relationship to lose it's spark. By avoiding certain mistakes, like the ones above, you and your partner can prevent this from happening.