{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Falling in Love vs Staying in Love: The Science of Maintaining Your Romantic Connection Over Time: Episode 428","description":"It\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2026 or worse, roommate energy. If you\u2019ve ever thought, \u201cSomething\u2019s missing, but I don\u2019t know what,\u201d this episode is for you. In this conversation, we unpack what\u2019s actually happening beneath the surface of long-term relationships and why closeness fades even when love is still there. You\u2019ll 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\u2019t about recreating the early days of your relationship, but learning how to actively maintain closeness, playfulness, and desire in the season you\u2019re in now. \u2728 If you want simple, daily ways to reconnect emotionally and physically, join our special edition 30-Day \u201cBest of Us\u201d 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 \ud83d\udc48 &amp;nbsp; 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&amp;nbsp; resources here: https:\/\/www.meetthefreemans.com\/links&amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"EmPowered Couples with The Freemans","author_url":"https:\/\/www.meetthefreemans.com\/links","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39470440\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/39470440"}