What does it mean to be romantic? When many people hear the word "romance", certain words, phrases and visions come to mind automatically. Indeed, such acts as giving flowers, cards and chocolates can be seen as romantic and are usually appreciated by any woman on the receiving end of such an act.
But doesn't romance extend beyond flowers, cards and candies?
Consider this: In order to be romantic, one must know what the woman he is romancing likes.
As a woman, I love to get flowers. I don't really care what kind they are or how many there are, but I am appreciative of whenever a man gives me flowers. But guess what? I also like love letters. And poems. And red velvet cupcakes. And being serenaded. I could make a list of things that I like that would be considered romantic TO ME. But what is romantic to me might not be as romantic to the next woman.
I encourage you as you get to the know the person you're dating/with, that you take the time to figure out their individual preferences, likes, dislikes, etc. Perhaps your woman likes poetry and you're a decent writer and choose to read a poem to her about how she's been on your mind. Or perhaps you're a horrible writer and you decide to write a quirky poem that evokes your woman's sense of humor because she LOVES to laugh. If your woman loves roses, then by all means, feel free to give her roses. But whatever it is that she likes, try your best to appeal to it.
The purpose in being romantic is to express to your woman that you care about her, and there isn't a better way to do that than by showing that you have taken the time to get to know her as an individual and what she likes.
Please note: I think this is worth stating. As women, we tend to be more emotional than men. But you already knew this right? Well, keep that in mind when you're thinking about doing something YOU might consider 'romantic'. For instance, maybe your woman loves watching dvds and doesn't have a dvd player. Don't buy her a dvd player as a Valentine's day gift. (You may be laughing as you're reading this, but I actually had someone I was dating give me a dvd player as a V-day gift. Not that I wasn't appreciative; it just wasn't romantic!) We women equate romance with acts that express that you care for/desire/adore us; so keep that in mind before you go buying or doing something for her that would be considered much more 'practical' than 'romantic'.
Also, often times it's the simplest things that end up being the most romantic. For instance:
-an unexpected hug/kiss, smile & complement
-a spontaneous phone call to say she was on your mind
-holding her hand/putting your arm around her waist
-leaving a hand written note or greeting card for her after departing from a date
All of the above are examples of simple acts that would be considered romantic. All it takes is a thoughtful moment.
Being genuine and being yourself is an important part of being romantic. If you are doing something just because it's the "textbook romantic thing to do" then chances are your woman will know that. How? Because us women have this little thing called intuition. We can discern when your being genuine. Not to sound cliche, but when it comes to romance, it definitely is "the thought that counts". So know yourself and what you're comfortable with doing.
When you make an honest effort to get to know her and just be yourself, then the romance part is something you won't have to worry about as much; it will just come naturally to you. So have fun with it, be yourself and the rest will take care of itself.
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