A love researcher's advice: do new things together

Arthur Aron, co-creator of the famous '36 questions', told Greater Good magazine how he keeps his own relationship strong — drawing on his research.

The main idea is novelty. In his studies, couples who shared new and exciting activities felt less bored in their relationship. It needn't cost money: walks somewhere unfamiliar, painting each other's portraits, a play, rafting, a comedy class. What matters is breaking the routine, not staging something expensive.

Two more tips: celebrate your partner's successes properly (Aron once made a poster when his wife's paper was accepted) and keep having deep conversations — the same 36 questions still work years later over dinner.

What it means for you: for a second or third date, pick something neither of you has tried rather than 'the usual'.