The 4th of July may be over, but we’ve still got fireworks on the brain–just not the ones that light up the sky.

Everyone who’s been in a long-term relationship knows that, after a while, the butterflies, passion, and intensity you initially experienced can go as fast as they came.

It’s a bummer, but all hope’s not lost.

Try these tips to keep the sparks — or should we say pyrotechnics — alive and kicking.

Plan new activities to do together.

This one isn’t rocket science, but it’s super important. Experiencing new things together helped get your relationship off the ground, so try to replicate the things that initially brought you closer together. Spontaneous overnight trips, checking out new restaurants, and the list goes on.

Turn off the TV.

And laptop. And stop checking your phone every five seconds. Don’t give your tech toys more attention than people, especially the ones you love. Refocusing your attention on your partner is a major step down the path to renewed intimacy.

Take some time apart.

Although it sounds counterintuitive, sometimes spending some time away from each other works wonders. If you and your partner are constantly together, a sense of novelty gets lost. So go ahead and spend a night or two with you friend. Enjoy a healthy dose of longing. When you return, your partner will seem more appealing than ever.

Play dress up.

While we’re not exactly advocating that French maid costume, we’re all for clothes that make you feel great. Got a holey bra? Baggy pajama bottoms? Toss ‘em! And take yourself shopping for some flattering pieces that’ll make you feel like a new person.

This summer you’ve got big plans to unwind at Fire Island. And your fingers are crossed tight for a makeout sesh with a dreamboat.

Then the heavens break, and it happens.

You meet an incredibly hot, smart and funny creature, and you spend an amazing summer night together.

But what will come of this “relationship” when it’s back to reality?

Use the guidelines below to determine whether your fling is just that, or has long-term potential.

Don’t judge a book by one makeout.

It takes time to really get to know someone, because no one is completely candid on the first date. It may seem obvious, but to find out if the attraction’s more than physical, you’ve got to stop making out and start talking.

Make sure you’re comfortable.

When the lights are out, it’s easy to let loose. But does the feeling remain in the morning? If you’re not comfortable before you’ve spruced up, it’s probably a bad sign.

Talk, talk, talk.

It all feels dreamy when you’re sharing tequila shots. But how’s the stone-cold sober conversation? If you think there’s potential, don’t be afraid to ask questions. “What’s your favorite book?” “What motivates you in life?” “What’s an amazing compliment you recently received?” If you remember their answers, and they remembers yours, you’re on a solid track.

Get scheduling.

While we would never endorse inviting your crush to your sister’s wedding, making future plans can be a good thing. Play it cool by passively mentioning a movie that you’ve been dying to see. If your hookup expresses interest, thumbs up! But if they avoid the idea, you may want to rethink things.

No matter what happens, we’re all for summer lovin’, so we urge you to get out there and start flirting.

Wait, Memorial Day is this weekend?

Whether you didn’t get the memo about summer’s inaugural holiday, or just don’t feel like joining the upcoming NYC exodus, there’s no shame in sticking around during the upcoming three-day break.

In fact, the hoards of New Yorkers heading for the Hamptons and other such destinations makes it prime time to take experience the Big Apple in a rare state of (relative) calm. Talk about a great situation for enjoying your city with a date.

Which, speaking of…

If you haven’t yet scoped out a potential new match, now’s the time. Then schedule some time for the two of you to get to know each other with any of these great Memorial Day weekend date ideas:

Boating in Central Park

Can you think of anything cuter than a boat ride out on the Central Park Lake? Um, we can’t. Should the weather hold up this weekend, take your date over the Loeb Boat House (located near 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue in the park) and rent a row boat for just $15 an hour. It’s the perfect, not-creepily-romantic spot to enjoy nice conversation and beautiful scenery. Don’t like your mate? Just throw ‘em overboard (just kidding!).

ISO Symphonic Band Concert

A first date at a cemetery–how’s that for a story? This Monday afternoon, forgo a trip to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park for the nearby Green-Wood Cemetery. There, the ISO Symphonic Band will be performing works of the cemetery’s ‘permanent residents,’ including Fred Ebb, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Leonard Bernstein, and others. Be sure to bring a blanket so you can kick back, relax, and listen to lovely sounds with your potential love.

Rooftop Bar

Ok, so maybe cemeteries aren’t exactly your thing. We understand. For a more traditional date–you know, with cocktails–check out the rooftop terrace at The Skylark. Yes, it’s in midtown, but with panoramic views that include the Hudson River and Empire State Building, it’s totally worth it. Plus interesting cocktails like the Aztec Empire (with silver tequila, cumin liqueur, chocolate bitters, cinnamon, red jalapeno, and lime) are bound to alleviate any early relationship awkwardness.

Rockaway Beach for a Day

If you’ve made it through at least three solid dates, you may be ready to spend the day with your squeeze. And with tons to do, the ever-hip Rockaway Beach is an ideal mini-trip. With easy transportation, endless delicious food options, beach, and bars, boredom is practically impossible.

If we had our way, every first date we meet would show up appearing like they walked straight out of the pages of the latest issue of GQ. If only they knew that’s what we were expecting…

To clarify matters of first date dressing for everyone, we went ahead and picked five desirable looks for guys–and asked a reputable guy to do the same for us gals. Of course, it’s always important to stay true to yourself style-wise. And while we would never recommend something like dressing all-out prep when your heart’s really punk, we definitely urge all daters to consider that first impressions really do last.

Put these picks on your spring shopping list stat:

GUYS

PREP

Bringing her flowers on the initial date may seem a bit antiquated. But a casual floral tie is oh-so-sweet. Wear it with a coordinating button down for a look that melts her heart at first sight. J. Crew Cotton Tie in Ultramarine Floral, $69.50

TRENDY

Yes, girls judge you on your shoes. And they’re bound to give high ranks for these blue oxfords with brighter blue contrast sole. Stylish, polished, and fun. What more could a lady want? Cole Haan Lunargrand Suede Wingtip Oxfords, $110

HIPSTER

An offbeat collared button down shirt shows your personality, and dresses up your everyday skinny jeans. Go for one in subdued tones so she focuses more on you than your outfit. Printed Rayon Short Sleeve Button Up Shirt, $75

GIRLS

PREP

It’s hard to go wrong with a sundress on the first date. Tailored and bright, this flattering floral number shows that you’re put together, but also like to have some fun. J.Crew Cove Floral Surf Dress, $168.

TRENDY

This statement necklace jazzes up a slouchy tee or basic jersey dress, plus acts as a conversation starter for any awkward moments during the date that may arise. Multicolor Large Bead Bib Necklace, $12.50

HIPSTER

Showing up to a first date wearing a floppy hat takes major confidence–plus really flatters your facial features. This sweet neutral hued topper tells him you’ve got style and aren’t afraid to show it. Urban Outfitters Short Brim Floppy Hat, $69

Correct us if we’re wrong, but as far as we know, zero great literary and cinematic love stories ever began with the phrase, “wut r u up 2 2nite?”.

Alas as the age of digital love prevails further by the second, it is your job, dear daters, to find fresh ways to incorporate romance into new relationships.

Don’t stress just yet. After all, unlike to picking up someone at a bar, online dating provides loads of opportunities for written expression and correspondence between potential soul mates. To sum it up, a few tricks from poetry 101 is all it takes to turn your profile and messages into a starry-eyed love story in the making.

THE POETRY TRICK: Get descriptive.

Of course a person is more than how they look in their profile picture. But when you come across someone who’s too super-cute to resist saying something, go beyond the “great smile” or “nice eyes” comments. Instead, pull out the old thesaurus to add a unique, and personal adjective to your compliment. It’s so much sexier!

Poetry in Motion:
Before: You have nice eyes.
After: I’d like to know what’s behind those thoughtful deep gray eyes.

THE POETRY TRICK: Use analogies and metaphors.

For your own profile or when messaging someone new, analogies and metaphors are great tools for avoiding generic sounding statements and creating a more exciting, robust (and romantic) online persona.

Poetry in Motion:
Before: I love sports.
After: Sports rev me up like triple espresso after a red eye flight.

THE POETRY TRICK: Paint a picture.

Pick up your paintbrush (a virtual one, silly!). This trick entails creating a vision of the future shared between you and potential dates. Notice you both like working out? Going to concerts? Instead of simply calling out similar interests, talk about how you are hoping to enjoy them together.

Poetry in Motion:
Before: I see we both like cooking.
After: Lets have a cook-off. My spicy Latin flavors vs. your indulgent desserts.

Note: While we definitely recommend trying these tricks in your upcoming dating endeavors, we definitely do not recommend writing a full-blown poem to anyone you haven’t yet met. There’s a line between dreamy and creepy, so please don’t cross it! Unless of course you’re hoping for a trip straight to the Mismatch folder…