Esther Perel’s Guide to Rekindling Romance: Just Add a Little Je Ne Sais Quoi

Esther Perel’s Guide to Rekindling Romance: Just Add a Little Je Ne Sais Quoi

In the world of long-term relationships, keeping the spark alive can be as challenging as convincing your partner that your snoring is a rare form of sleep-singing. But fear not, dear couples, because Esther Perel, the queen of modern romance, has the solution: just add a little “je ne sais quoi.”

Step 1: Embrace the Mystery (Even if You Know Their Bathroom Habits)

The key to rekindling romance, according to Perel, is to embrace the mystery—even if you’ve been together long enough to know your partner’s bathroom habits better than your own. Edward Übermensch, the eccentric German Content Editor at PISR, wryly remarks, “Nothing says ‘je ne sais quoi’ like pretending you don’t know your partner’s favorite brand of toilet paper.”

The Art of Pretending to Be Strangers (in Your Own Home)

To reignite the spark, Perel suggests pretending to be strangers in your own home. Start by introducing yourself to your partner as if you’ve never met before, and then proceed to awkwardly flirt while doing mundane tasks like folding laundry or washing dishes.

Step 2: Spice Things Up (Not Just in the Kitchen)

Perel encourages couples to spice things up—and not just in the kitchen. Break out of your routine by trying new activities together, like taking a salsa dancing class or learning to yodel in public spaces.

The Importance of Spontaneity (and Not Just on Laundry Day)

Embrace spontaneity by surprising your partner with unexpected gestures, like leaving love notes in their socks or serenading them with a kazoo rendition of “My Heart Will Go On” during a conference call.

Step 3: Rediscover Your Inner Flirt (Without Getting Arrested)

Perel urges couples to rediscover their inner flirt but cautions against taking it too far and getting arrested for public indecency. Instead, focus on subtle gestures like winking at your partner from across the room or sending them flirty text messages while sitting right next to them.

By adding a touch of “je ne sais quoi” to your relationship, you can rekindle the romance and keep the spark alive—even if you’ve been together long enough to finish each other’s sentences (and sandwiches). So go ahead, embrace the mystery, spice things up, and rediscover your inner flirt. Your relationship (and your partner’s sense of humor) will thank you.