Romance Comes in Many Packages
Contrary to cliche, you don’t have to spend big bucks on a romantic dinner or vacation to enhance the romance in your relationship. In fact, you don’t even have to leave your house! There are many romantic things to do at home to show your significant other how you feel about them.
It’s All About the Little Things
No need to wait for the perfect moment to perform an over the top romantic gesture. Keep the romance alive by performing simple gestures whenever you can — even multiple times per day. Find new ways to tell your partner you love them, compliment the way they smile or their laugh, and be affectionate! Lack of romance and affection can create serious distance in a relationship. It’s important to communicate to your partner that you care about them and you want to be with them. Such communication can be verbal, or it can be in the form of simple looks or acts of affection. Keep in mind that timing is important, and you don’t want to get carried away to the point that your partner gets annoyed. Avoid using such gestures in a time crunch, and be careful during stressful moments. Romantic gestures can relieve stress, but they can also add to it depending on the situation. If your partner is venting a concern about a coworker, don’t say, “You look great in that dress!” This might make them think you are distracted or trying to change the subject. Instead, listen carefully and give them a hug so they know you are there for support. A supportive boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse is just as romantic as any candlelight dinner!
Step It Up A Notch
If you want to do something a bit more extravagant, consider cooking a nice dinner or cleaning the house for your partner. Telling your partner you care about them is important, yet it’s always reinforcing and also exciting when you show them how much you care by performing an act of kindness and taking time out of your day to do something for them.
Plan Accordingly
If you want to plan a special “date night” at home with your partner, make sure all your bases are covered. Start by removing all distractions such as children (send them to a sleepover or an overnight babysitter), and the television. If the gesture is a surprise, make sure you know when your partner will be getting home. Have everything completed when they walk in so you two can spend as much quality time together as possible.
Don’t Just Rely on Holidays
Everyone is supposed to do something nice for their significant other on birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. There are many opportunities for romantic things to do on these holidays. Unfortunately, cultural expectations can take away from the romance. Instead of putting a lot of emphasis on holidays, perform romantic gestures at random. This will make them seem more special and original.
Get Creative
You know what your partner likes and dislikes. You know their goals, dreams and aspirations. You know what makes them happy. Always keep in mind how your partner feels and what they might want. Your romantic gestures should be unique to your partner and to your relationship. You can even talk about romantic things to do with your partner.
Don’t Get Too Comfortable
Romance becomes more and more important the longer you are in a relationship. This is because the initial excitement of being in love generally fades. Even though you still love your partner, you become comfortable with each other and it’s no longer a case of the butterflies every time you see them! Keep the excitement alive by keeping the romance alive.
In case you’re having trouble brainstorming, here is a list of some romantic things to do at home:
- candlelight dinner
- candlelight, anytime!
- baths
- movie nights
- weekly dates at home
- read to each other
- watch the sunrise or sunset
- massage
- poem
- love letter
- burn a CD
- dance
- feed each other
- snuggle
- sleep under the stars
- light a fire
- breakfast in bed
- use your fancy dishware
Who knew there were so many romantic things to do in the comfort of your home? Remember, what’s really important is the thought that went into making your significant other feel special. Don’t forget the little gestures and the random timing. Be creative and customize your gestures to your partner. Follow these simple suggestions and your home will be the center of simple and inexpensive romance in no time!