8 Important Ways to Be More Romantic in Your Relationship
When you're in a new relationship, things tend to feel fun and spontaneous, bursting with the energy and passion of a fresh romance. After time, however, you can both fall into a routine, and being romantic can take a backseat to creating something more stable and enduring.
However, just because you've been together for a while doesn't mean that those lovey-dovey moments should be reserved for special occasions. In fact, taking effort to be more romantic each and every day is a surefire way to improve your relationship, making your partner feel seen and heard and leading to more health and happiness for everyone involved. We have some tips for you below on how to get started.
Be Present
When we're busy, our relationships can suffer. We can get so wrapped up in keeping up with obligations that we forget to make time to really enjoy being with the person we love. In fact, it's the times when we don't feel like we have any time to manage the relationship when it's the most important to take time out of our schedules to be fully present with our partners. That means putting everything else away—no distractions—to check in with the only person, make some time with them and truly see them for everything they are.
(via Unsplash)
Focus on the Things You Love Best About the Other Person
Just because you've grown super comfortable around your significant other doesn't mean you should ever take them for granted. You're together for a reason, and you can regularly take a moment to really focus on all of the things you appreciate about who they are—and let them know it. Use your words to express what you love about them and all of the warm, fuzzy feelings they conjure up within you. Tell them about all the things they do that put a smile on your face and make you a better person. If you're out of practice in saying these things, it might feel strange at first, but it can make a serious difference, and leave you eager to express these sentiments even more often.
Be Physically Affectionate
While some people aren't the touchy-feely types and prefer keeping that kind of thing to a minimum, others appreciate a little physical affection—especially when it's unexpected. Around the house, this can be anything from holding hands and kisses on the cheek or forehead to long hugs, or even a cuddle when you're watching your favorite films or shows together. Physical touch can also promote the creation of happy chemicals in the brain, helping a couple feel more emotionally close as well.
Also read about: These Captions Are Perfect for All Your #CoupleGoals Instagram Posts
Remember the Importance of Little Gestures
When you imagine romance, you might think of extravagant gestures, like surprise vacations, or even expensive gifts of flowers and boxes of chocolate. Yes, those things can be highly appreciated, but we find that the sum of many little gestures can make a grander impact than a single big one. Think about small things that can brighten your partner's day, whether you leave them a love note or buy them a little treat or a book they'll love, or you send them a sweet playlist of handpicked songs. Even little memes and messages throughout the day can be a pick-me-up for certain people. Simply showing your partner you're always thinking of them when you're apart is one of the most romantic things you can do.
(via Unsplash)
Make Their Life Easier
Thoughtful gestures can also extend to the things that will make your significant other's life easier. These days, we all have so many things on our plates that it can be easy to be overwhelmed, but if you can help with little tasks, such as preparing meals or dealing with small chores around the house, you can take some of that weight off of their shoulders. That in itself isn't romantic, but paired with the right loving affirmations (and maybe date plans, which they'll have the time and energy for with those jobs taken care of), it can be.
Also read about: 35 Things to Look for in a Partner
Pay Attention to Their Needs
Being romantic also requires paying close attention to your partner and their needs. There are basic things that it can be easy to attend to, such as when they're hungry, or too hot or too cold, but it's also important to be attuned to them to understand when something might be bothering them, and to be open to conversations even when they might be challenging or unpleasant. Of course, it's also important to find the right balance between being attentive and hypervigilant. Rather than trying to anticipate their every need, try going with the flow and ensuring that they always feel comfortable asking you when they need do need something.
Hype Them Up to Others
It may seem counterintuitive, but there will sometimes be aspects of your relationship that go behind your interactions with each other. It can also reflect in how you talk about your partner when they're not around. When you've got a great relationship, we suggest hyping them up when you're with other people, and letting others know just how awesome your S.O. is. Getting to brag a little about your special someone feels good and reminds you how special they are, and if the word gets back to them, that's a nice little ego boost, too.
Go on Regular Dates
When you've been together forever—especially if you've built a family—it can seem like date nights are a thing of the past. However, even if you have to make special arrangements to make it happen, they're essential and so worth it to help keep that spark alive. The sky is really the limit when it comes to planning a date, just as long as it's all about the two of you and your time together. This can entail anything from a fancy candlelit dinner to getting takeout for a picnic under the stars, or a visit to a museum or the movies. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive as long as you're both having a good time and appreciating the company—and it doesn't hurt to also take plenty of selfies to document the moment and hold on to it forever.
(via Unsplash)
Sometimes, movies set unrealistic (and even toxic) expectations of what constitutes as romance. Click HERE to discover the classic tropes you should try to avoid.