Yes, it purred like a kitten back in the early lust-filled days of the relationship when you couldn’t keep your hands off each other. After awhile, though, daily wear and tear can slow things down (as can the fact that you eventually realize that while it’s hot to do it pinned up against the hall table, it’s damn hard to come that way).

If your sexual libido is locked in neutral, or at best, in low gear, it’s time for a tune-up. Just as your car engine needs upkeep, your sexual engine needs regular checkups, maintenance and the occasional lubrication to keep it running at its peak. And what better time than a brand new year to get things running right.

One good routine maintenance exercise is to do what we often accuse men of doing: think with your genitals. Try it right now. Mentally connect with your crotch. Many of us shut off the sexual part of ourselves when we engage with the outside world. As if, somehow, we can be completely sexless in every other area of our lives and then just flick on our sexy switch when necessary. Blame it on the fact that, unless you’re appearing in a beer ad, women are discouraged from being sexual in our day-to-day lives.

I’m not saying you should start ogling the guy next to you on the bus or patting Jimmy, the office assistant’s butt, but, the trick is to jumpstart your libido outside the bedroom, way before you get naked with someone. Like when you’re standing in line at the grocery store, for example. Let yourself imagine what you’d do to that hottie stock boy in the produce section after store hours. If you’re with your sweetie, lean over and suggest something you can cook up together when you get home, that doesn’t involve groceries. Talking about sex at inappropriate times — though over dinner at his grandmother’s place might be a little too inappropriate — can stimulate your mind and your libido.

If stress is killing your desire, add thinking hot thoughts about him to your to-do list. When your mind’s crammed with work stuff, remembering how sexy your partner's shoulders are tends to get forgotten. Also, keep in mind that one of the many causes of stress is not enough sex. You might be due for some relief.

Soak your libido in some outside attention. Take a girls-only vacation or simply enjoy a girls’ club night out and flirt like you were single (without the phone number exchange). Sure, your husband adores you but a fresh reminder of just how hot and desirable you are can make you feel, well, hot and desirable.

Plan a threesome together. No need to actually have it, just imagine it and talk about what you’d both like to happen. Take a class. And we’re not talking scrapbooking. Nothing like a hand job or G spot workshop to get your mojo working. These days, you can find classes like these in most major cities. Hire a photographer, and do a naked photo session either solo or with your partner. Put pen to your desires. Write a sexy story or, if you need an audience, write him a smutty letter.

As women, we often undermine our own sexual desire. Rather than insist on having our needs met, we retreat. We apologize for taking too long. We tell him we don’t need to come. We feel selfish demanding our own pleasure. (Which is silly, because what greater gift could you give your partner than to have a really good time?)

A lot of women have a hard time being in the moment. One part of our mind is in it and the other part is watching, selfcensoring, analyzing and criticizing. All serious libido dampeners. Tell your brain to shut it, and let your body talk. Of course, this requires knowing and accepting your body.

Don’t think you’re up for it? Try this “fake it till you make it” exercise. Prance around your living room naked saying to yourself, “I am sexy.” Watch and feel your body language change. Once you think you’ve got it, take yourself out for a test drive.