Relationships are an interesting dynamic. In the beginning, they are thrilling and passionate. Then, as you and your partner get more comfortable, the vibe changes, and the relationship becomes safe and reassuring. But while you are in this comfort zone, something shifts, and suddenly, your partner feels more like a roommate than, well, a partner. What happened to the romance?
I’ll tell you, life happened. It swooped in and just made everything so complicated. Then we get so caught up in it that we prioritize our relationship less and less until it is left forgotten on the back burner. Leave it too long, and it fizzles out.
So to keep your relationship strong, you need to bring the romance back and give your partner some attention. No, it doesn’t have to be a dramatic, romantic grand gesture. It can also be a simple, everyday gesture, and guess what? I got 40 perfect little ones that lead straight back to romance!
Use Kind Words with Your Partner
I cannot stress the power of words enough in a relationship. How you talk to your partner truly makes a difference because, at the end of the day, those words form the foundation of your relationship. A gentle tone and kind words are the strongest material. So, show your partner you respect them as an equal and care about their feelings. Here are some simple ways to do just that:
- Ask your partner how their day was
- Say please, and thank you even for little things
- Compliment their appearance
- Appreciate something they did for you
- Say I love you often
- Apologize if you make a mistake
- Encourage them, especially on a tough day
- Ask them for their advice
Use the Sense of Touch
Touch doesn’t always have to be intimate to be romantic. It’s about getting close to your partner to let them know you still find them physically attractive. While being intimate isn’t the goal, a little touch can go a long way and leads to more! Here are some hands-on ways to bring the romance back:
- Hold hands when you two are out
- Hug each other more
- Greet each other with a kiss. Even if it is just a peck on the cheek
- Lay your head on your partner’s shoulder or lap
- Play with your partner’s hair
- Give your partner a massage
- Cuddle when you are watching TV together
- Sit on your partner’s lap for a chat
Do Things That Show You Care
As you settle into a relationship, you will see your partner in every facet of their life and get a good understanding of their routine and preferences. So take what you have learned one step further and do little things to help them as they go about their business. What makes this especially romantic is that you are helping your partner without them asking, letting them know you prioritize their needs.
- Make them coffee or tea in the morning
- Order their favorite meal
- Let them choose the movie, TV show, or radio station
- Fill your partner’s car with gas
- Handle a chore or errand of theirs
- Run a bath for them after a stressful day
- Let them sleep in
- Give your partner space
Share More Experiences With Your Partner
As fantastic as a romantic weekend getaway with our partner sounds, it’s hard to carve out that kind of time! So don’t think there is no hope just because you can’t go on an all-out vacation or pay for an expensive couple’s class. There are still many ways to share experiences with your partner that bring the romance back! Here are some fun activities you and your partner can do together.
- Talk to your partner about their day
- Play a board game or video game
- Go out for a walk or picnic
- Turn off your phones for 20 minutes and talk to each other
- Dance, even if it is in the living room
- Cook lunch or dinner together
- Go through old photos and reminisce about good times
- Include each other in decision-making processes
- Celebrate the little wins in each other’s life
Go Back to the Start of the Relationship
Go back to when you and your partner started dating, and think about what you used to do to win their affection. How did you behave? What did you do?
Recreating some of those little moments or re-embracing those early courting behaviors can do wonders for a relationship, reigniting that elusive spark. It will remind both of you why you fell in love in the first place! Here are some fun things for inspiration you can try:
- Write your partner a love letter
- Send a flirty text or “I love you.”
- Go out on a date and dress up
- Go to each other’s favorite places
- Surprise your partner with a little gift
- Hold the door for your partner
- Feed each other a dessert
In the End
The best thing about romance is that there are no rules! It is subjective and varies from couple to couple. That is why it is important not to compare your relationship to another. Don’t let others dictate how you and your partner should operate. Instead, look inwards, and find what makes you and your partner feel warm and fuzzy inside.
These little gestures are the perfect place to start because many fit into everyday life, while the rest are also possible with just a bit more time. So if you are ready to revive your relationship, make the conscious decision to bring the romance back.
As you start giving, your partner will reciprocate. This behavior builds, and before you know it, the romance blossoms again for a stronger, deep love, which sustains a relationship to last a lifetime.