Episode 44: The Power of Novelty in Long-Term Relationships

Long-term relationships can offer trust, security, inside jokes, and the comfort of a partner you can count on...but the routines and daily logistics that come along with them can often bury the spark that first brought you together.In this episode, sex & relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado explore why feeling bored in your relationship doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with you or your partner, but rather that it may be an opportunity for change.They discuss how *novelty* - whether it’s a new restaurant, a local adventure, a weekend away, or just trying something different together (even if it doesn’t go as planned!) can help couples feel more curious, playful, connected, and alive, in and out of the bedroom.What you'll learn:Why the differences that first attract us to a partner can feel more frustrating once daily life and logistics enter the picture.How to introduce more novelty without creating pressure or making it feel like a performance.How seeing your partner in a different setting, whether they’re charming the waiter or meeting your coworkers, can renew curiosity and attraction.Why a terrible interpretive-dance show or another imperfect adventure can still become a relationship-building shared memory.Tune in if you've ever thought:"We used to have so much chemistry...now we're just roomates.""I want more excitement in our relationship, but my partner seems fine with how things are.""Every time I try to plan a fun date night, I put so much pressure on it that it kind of ruins the fun.""I'm not going to have an affair, but I get why people do."Helpful resources:Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyConnect with us:Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyWebsite: rebeccaeudy.com Instagram: @rebeccahowardeudy Newsletter: Parents in Love SubstackDr. Alexandra DiGradoWebsite: bostonpelvicpt.com Instagram: @bostonpelvicpt Newsletter: Under the HoodUnder the Hood PodcastInstagram: @underthehooddocs Website: underthehoodpod.comYouTube: @underthehooddocs ***If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. It takes just 30 seconds, but it's one of the best ways to help Under the Hood grow and reach even more people. Thank you for listening!