Romance isn’t simple and learning on how to be romantic in your relationship can be a life long journey. In fact, there’s no formula, fix, or surefire move that will automatically make you the king of romance. That’s because romance depends on so many factors from your relationship status to all the other internal stuff that you bring to a relationship at any one moment in time. And that’s not even including the factors like self-esteem and trust that influence how we give and receive romantic gestures throughout our lives.
Despite romance’s complexities, that doesn’t mean you can’t improve your amorous arsenal with your partner. After all, isn’t the whole point to dance with your beloved through life in sync, close together, and maybe even a little sweaty, too? So read on, and learn how to be romantic and raise your romance-level through the roof.
Tips on how to be romantic in your relationship
1. Text an Emoji for No Reason
Shoot her the old “heart eyes” in the middle of the day.
2. Give This as a “Just Because” Gift
A favorite Instagram post of the two of you, printed and framed.
3. Thanking for the Little Things Means a Lot
Say thank you for things you take for granted, like grocery shopping or any kind of run-of-the-mill responsibilities. It reduces the resentment and increases the harmony.
4. You Can Never Go Wrong With Extra Attention
To the neck.
5. Warm Wins
Greet your partner exiting the shower with a towel you just took out of the dryer.
6. Memorize the Law of Domestic Relativity
Doing chores > doing your partner’s chores > cleaning the toilet/sheets/towels before they need cleaning.
7. New Never Gets Old
Date night for long-term couples should use strategies from short-term couples: Trying something new each time. Studies show that novelty is good for romance. It can be as simple as driving across town for dinner to get away from routine spots or more elaborate outings like doing some kind of weekend retreat that focuses on something like cooking or yoga.
8. Take Turns Taking Charge
Goes for decision-making, meal-making, love-making.
9. It’s Better in Real Life Than in an Emoji
A wink is only effective if it comes sparingly and selectively.
10. Volunteer Together
Research shows that those who do something altruistic outside of the relationship have a better connection.
11. Write More
Love notes are good. I’m sorry notes are better.
12. Get Away to Get Together
Vacations, even for one night, can start the simmering. Vacations, if they involve bathing suits and bodies of water, raise the temp to boiling.
13. Get Away
Hike a little more. Hustle a little less.
14. Shop for Smells
Candles can bring different scents into your home, but you can make the smells even more personal by taking a trip to a spice or herb market and picking out ones you both like. Combine them to make a customized bowl of scents for the bedroom.
15. Summon Your Inner Detective
Notice something that never gets noticed.
16. Give In
You don’t need to win every disagreement. The willingness to sacrifice is a big component of increasing connectedness in a relationship.
17. Practice Patience
Undress yourselves slowly and silently
18. Use Your Bathroom Better
Shave her legs. Shave his face. Hot water, lather, steam, skin, and sharp objects make a cocktail of trust and sensuality.
19. Cheer!
Treat good news from your partner the way you would a sporting event.
20. Surprise More
Remembering a wedding anniversary is a given. Remembering a stealthier anniversary, a first date, a first sight is golden.
21. Forgive Mistakes More Easily
People with high self-esteem report having higher levels of connectedness. Part of that comes from feelings of unconditional love—the kind that parents give children, she says. That doesn’t mean you can’t have conflict, but forgiveness shows relationships are less fragile.
22. Be Kind
To your partner’s other circles, friends, family, co-workers.
23. Compliment
Accomplishments as much as, if not more than appearances.
24. Hold Hands
When nobody is watching. When everybody is watching.
