Falling in Love vs Staying in Love: The Science of Maintaining Your Romantic Connection Over Time

Dec 23, 2025
31 mins

Episode Description

It's easy to look at movies or social media and wonder why love once felt effortless, and now feels quieter, more routine, or even distant. No one prepares you for the reality that long-term love doesn't stay fueled by novelty and adrenaline forever. As relationships mature, biology shifts, responsibilities increase, and especially after kids, connection can slowly give way to comfort… or worse, roommate energy. If you've ever thought, "Something's missing, but I don't know what," this episode is for you.

In this conversation, we unpack what's actually happening beneath the surface of long-term relationships and why closeness fades even when love is still there. You'll hear how subtle habits, attention leaks, and well-intentioned routines quietly work against connection; and what it takes to bring back energy, affection, and excitement in a sustainable way. This isn't about recreating the early days of your relationship, but learning how to actively maintain closeness, playfulness, and desire in the season you're in now.


✨ If you want simple, daily ways to reconnect emotionally and physically, join our special edition 30-Day "Best of Us" Couples Challenge, designed to help you reignite closeness and bring more joy, flirtation, and intentional connection back into your marriage. It starts January 1st and is only open three times per year. Join now at mycoupleschallenge.com/best 👈

 

If the Challenge has past, be sure to check out our Top Relationship Resources here was well, even look to join us in-person for the upcoming Couples Workshop. All  resources here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links 

See all episodes

Never lose your place, on any device

Create a free account to sync, back up, and get personal recommendations.