Looking at old photos of your partner can increase love and satisfaction with your current relationship. This is the conclusion of a recent study that examined ways to save marriages where the main problem is fading feelings. Memories of glorious moments from the past help trigger a rush of emotions that, over time, become less easy to experience than they once were. And if a simple thing called ‘romantic nostalgia’ by experts can breathe new life into a relationship, it’s definitely worth taking advantage of.
What romantic nostalgia means for relationships
As partners get to know each other, they become more comfortable together. But many couples complain that at the same time the spark disappears and the deep affection that was once in the relationship weakens. It is in such a situation that romantic nostalgia helps.
It is important for any person to feel that they belong to other people, and romantic nostalgia fulfils this need by bringing back vivid emotions and strengthening the bond between partners. It emphasises a shared history and reminds them of why they chose each other, the trials they went through together, the events that brought them together, what they are grateful for and what they value in a relationship. Reflecting on significant moments in the past also helps to strengthen mutual loyalty.
At the same time, different people will evoke feelings of romantic nostalgia in different situations, including partners who have been together for a long time. This is due to the fact that we all in their own way perceive certain episodes of life and keep unique memories of what was important to us personally. Therefore, for someone more valuable will be, for example, thoughts about the park, where the declaration of love took place, or about the restaurant, where the best date took place, and for someone – the first kiss or a bright joint holiday.
How to evoke romantic nostalgia
The best way is to remember your favourite moments in the relationship and ask your partner questions that will help you feel that same sense of closeness, love and attraction. You can start by talking about how you met and what you thought of each other, and then move on to other topics. For example:
