Do you feel like you’ve lost the romance in your life? Are you and your partner struggling to retain that initial spark? Maybe you’re single and you just wish you had a bit more whimsy in your life. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and if you need to resurrect the romance in yours, now is a great time to do so. Here are 10 ways you can do just that.
10. Schedule a Date Night
Make it weekly or monthly. Make it with your friend, partner, child, or self. Whatever you do, make it fun—and make it a priority! Maybe you could take yourself to dinner or rent paddleboats with your significant other for an evening in the moonlight.
9. Read a Romance Novel
Chances are that there’s some kind of romance novel you might enjoy. If the regular bodice rippers don’t work for you, a quieter romance—like that between Princess Eilonwy and Taran in Lloyd Alexander’s wonderful Chronicles of Prydain—might work just fine.
8. Watch Some Steamy Scenes
So-called “chick flicks” like He’s Just Not That Into You, P.S. I Love You, and Bridget Jones’ Diary might fulfill the bill for many people. For those who want a bit more substance, try The English Patient or Cold Mountain, both excellent romantic movies. And if cartoons are what you’re after, go for Beauty and the Beast or The Princess and the Frog.
7. Pick a Scent You Love
Whether it’s a flower, some essential oil, or even a heady herb, make it yours. Make your own essential oil blend to keep your clothes and home smelling nice, or create some romantic sachets to keep in your closet and drawers.
6. Be a Romantic
Dance in the rain. Make love on the beach. Stick a flower in your mouth and tango—or put the flower in your hair. Do something wildly cliché and see how it makes you feel. If you don’t feel more romantic, you might at least get a good laugh!
5. Travel
Go somewhere traditionally romantic—Hawaii, Paris, Tuscany—and see what it brings you. If you can’t travel with your body, at least go with your palette and try some international cuisine.
4. Be In the Pink
Add some pink and red to your life—think Valentine’s Day—through clothing, decorations, or those silk flower petals you can spread around. If it doesn’t make you feel more romantic, ditch it—but try it out first.
3. Flirt
Flirting is harmless fun. Whether it’s with a partner, the pizza delivery guy, or a stranger in line at the supermarket, it’ll make you feel a little giddy and romantic without costing anything. Bonus if it’s with someone you’re interested in!
2. Play a Power Ballad
Whether it’s an ‘80s love power ballad, a song that you played during a crush, or “your song,” play it loud and see how it makes you feel. Make a compilation of smooth jazz, sultry songs, or simply the songs that make you think of love and play them.
1. Dress the Part
For no reason at all, put on a suit or sweeping dress that flares out when you spin. Put some red lipstick on, throw on some high heels, or run around in boxer shorts with hearts on them.
