How to Make: The Perfect Couple.

When I think of the perfect couple, I picture my cousin and her boyfriend, who just a few days ago celebrated their three-year anniversary, Christmas and the new year, simultaneously. When I asked what her boyfriend got her, I expected her answer to be a timeless piece of jewelry. To my surprise (well...) in fact, all she had really wanted for their tri-celebratory evening, was for it to be a memorable one. So indeed it was: They spent a romantic day in New York City, ice-skating, window shopping, dining at their favorite restaurant, and soaking up all the qualities they admire most in one another.

Their relationship got me thinking. How do two people keep up with each other for such a long period of time? How do they keep their relationship fresh? What motivates them (besides their mutual love) to stick it out through the bad, the good and the boring? Here are a few rules of thumb to keep your long-term relationship, errrr, spicy:

Surprises

Couples who have been together for a long time more often than not fall into ruts. Your relationship is so routinized that many times, your boyfriend (or girlfriend) starts feeling more like your bud-with-benefits. Regardless of whether or not you are Spontaneous Jack, you should always try to break from your usual routine. Chinese-take out Sundays? Movie-night Fridays? Switch it up, and get out. You'll be surprised to find that a mini change in your usual plan keeps things more interesting. Girls: It sounds so old-school, but a home-cooked meal is always romantic, and unless you totally screw it up, is completely appreciated. Guys: You have it easier, because most of us swoon at the slightest bit of romance, but a single flower or a "fun" text message... will get her really excited to see you after work. Oh yes.

Communication

Chances are, if you've made it this long, your communication skills are impeccable, but even couples who have been together awhile still don't know everything about their significant other. As I learned the other night, hosting a game night with a few other couples (or pairs of guy and girl friends) can open up that door. Choose games that require the two of you to be on the same team. See how in sync you are with one another. My game recommendation? The Newlywed Game. Oh, you're welcome.

And finally,

Escape

Not what you thought I'd recommend, huh? If you and your boyfriend are both employed, create a vacation fund. While date nights are always fun because they're intimate and involve just the two of you, indulging in a getaway is an instant relationship sparkler. The week (or weekend) in Fantasyland puts the sometimes-missing element of fun back into the picture.