If you have been married or in a relationship for a long time it can be difficult to keep the romantic side of things going as it was. The pressure of keeping a roof over your head, children, work and any number of other things can mean you stop making time for your partner and details such as sexy lingerie may be the last thing on your mind. This may be a temporary thing, but it can cause issues in the relationship if left unchecked for long periods of time.

The most important thing to do is make time for each other and yourselves as individuals. It's easy to think a pair of sexy knickers or other lingerie will fix intimacy issues, but there is more to it than that. Not taking time to "step outside" of your life - even for a 30 minute bath or something else you really enjoy can begin to sap your energy and make you feel like you're stuck on a treadmill all the time.

Once you've set aside a little you time then look at setting aside some together time. Some couples find it easier than others of course. If you have small children it can be tough to find the money, time or a sitter to watch them whilst you go out. However, there is nothing to stop you meeting each other for lunch or having one night a week where you have dinner after the kids have gone to bed and take some time to chat.

Good communication is the key to any relationship and if this is in place oftentimes intimacy will follow. Being open and honest with your partner about how you feel and your needs can be all you need to spark the flame again as it were.

Of course nice lingerie or a new pair of sexy knickers are a great way to make you feel confident about yourself and nothing is more sexy than confidence. A tired mother who takes some time over their appearance can find it lifts their spirits and makes them more receptive to the amorous advances of her husband for example.

It'll work for men too - nobody wants a scruffy slightly whiffy man pawing at them, but a nice clean shaven, clean smelling and smart man approaching with respect and consideration is bound to get a better reaction. If you are confident that you are familiar with the tastes and the dress size of your lady, you could even buy her some nice new lingerie to cheer her up.

As a brief word of advice, though, only do this if you're really confident of her size and tastes - many a well meant lingerie gift gets thrown back by an offended partner.

In conclusion, sexy knickers, stockings or other lingerie won't wave a magic wand on a flagging sex life, but with some work and caretaking of the basics it can add an extra layer to what you both already have. And do remember that intimacy doesn't always have to lead to sex either, regular cuddles, kisses and other shows of affection can help to deepen the bond that you already share. Everyone likes to feel loved, cared for and cherished and you need to give to receive after all.

Spice up things in your bedroom with help from from online adult shop Ann Summers