Contrary to romantics’ idealized scenario, the secret to a lasting relationship isn’t that initial fire of love but the thousands of sleeping embers, kindled and rekindled by years of constant connection, sweet gestures and open communication.

While modern times have certainly kept couples busy with jobs, travel and the thousands of media, all gunning for their attention, the latest technology has certainly evened up the playing field with apps that amp up the romance meter. From something as simple, yet necessary, as a shared grocery-list for working parents to intimate real-time touch app for couples in long-distance relationships, these Android and iOS programs make sure that couples stay in a love bubble, cut off from any world, real or real-time.

1. Feel Me 

Perfect for couples who are far from each other, Feel Me allows you to stay connected by touch. When your partner touches one part of the screen, that spot will appear on your screen. When you both touch the same part of the screen, the phone will light up and vibrate.

Where to get it: iOS (currently under development)

2. Avocado 

This app is perhaps the manna from App heaven that married couples have been waiting for. Install this on both your phones and you create a private cyberworld for the two of you. Here you can exchange private message and photos. The best thing, it has a shared to-do and shopping list feature that will come in handy when those diapers run out!

Where to get it: Android and iOS

Price: Free

3. Pair 

Pair actually combines some of the individual features of Avocado and Feel Me. It allows couples to do private messaging, photo-video sharing and to-do lists as well as “thumb-kissing” where couples can touch their screens simultaneously. As an added bonus, it also allows couples to sketch together or even play tic-tac-toe, in real time!

Where to get it: Android and iOS

Price: Free

4. Couples Retreat Translator 

One common relationship irk is decoding words into what they truly mean. Although the Couples Retreat Translator isn’t actually an actual relationship decoder, it still serves as an ice-breaker at times when you really wish your partner would just say what they mean. Unfortunately, there’s no app for mind-reading.

Where to get it: iOS

Price: Free 

4. Ask Me Anything 

You can live with your partner to a hundred and you will still not fully know who he/she is. Ask Me Anything is an app that allows you to discover something new about your partner using over 200 questions in four categories.

Where to get it: iOS

Price: Free

5. Tokii

Couples having a hard time talking about their feelings will find Tokii indispensable. The app allows couples to say what they are feeling using a hundred different emoticons and writing a message. It also has the DiscoveryGame, which challenges couples to predict each other’s answers, a guaranteed fun way to discover more of each other.

Where to get it: iOS

Price: Free

6. Fix a Fight 

Fighting is a necessary part of relationships. Occasional disagreements actually open communication lines and give you and your partner a chance to settle your differences. …that is if you fix your fight! This app shows you the different steps on how to work out your conflicts. This virtual counselor prompts couples to air out their feelings and finds ways to calm down.

Where to get it: iOS

Price: $4.99

8. Hey Tell 

Hey Tell is a great alternative for people who find voicemails expensive. The app allows you to record short messages for your partner, which he or she can later read when convenient. This is a great way to stay connected without encroaching on your partner’s time at work or commute.

Where to get it: Android and iOS

Price: Free