We live in a world of AI artists, dating apps, and incrementally innovative smartphone devices. Sometimes, it can feel as though the digitization and separation of life into technical little boxes have helped us forget what’s most important – being there for our families, connecting with nature, and cherishing the development of relationships.
It begs the question – has romance changed in 2023, or has it been muted by three years of a pandemic, cost of living crises, and social media determining our lives online? It’s interesting to ask this question, as everyone will have an answer of their own.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to better detach romance and possible love life from the expectations of our modern tech-obsessed society, and instead focus on what’s most important – presence, companionship, and an ability to face the difficulties of life together. If you find yourself falling in love with someone, or if you’re open to the prospect, let’s consider how to step back, avoid overthinking it, and define romance for yourself anew in 2023:
Cooking Is The Way To The Heart
One of the simplest and most intimate ways to show love and affection is through cooking for your partner. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are – just follow a recipe with heart, and practice it a couple of times before if necessary. Choosing the ingredients, creating a menu, to sharing a meal together, it’s all an act of love and can be quite inspiring to either be part of or invited to.
Moreover, cooking is sensual, as tastes, textures, fragrances, and beautiful presentation can be a lovely token of appreciation, something you can share, and paired with some nice wine can really become a highlight of the evening. Make sure to set the table and enjoy some wonderful glasshouse candles to set the mood.
Poetry & Letters Are Sincere
It can seem archaic to some, especially those of us used to instant messaging, but an intimate way to show your appreciation is through writing poetry or letters. It’s also a good way to start exploring your creative side, as writing can be a powerful way to express your feelings and connect using words that don’t need to follow a rigid structure but can still express yourself well.
Sometimes, you may wish to write heartfelt love letters or playful poems, but the truth is that you’ll be doing it with intent, that is you have to sit down, bring out some paper, and press the ink to page. It means so much more than a social media message typed out while you’re watching television, and can be saved and cherished for some time.
Sharing & Enjoying Art
Art and creativity can also play a big role in reigniting the romance in a relationship. From visiting a museum or art exhibit, to creating art together, to simply enjoying each other’s company, all forms of art can be a great way to bond and connect, especially if you discuss how it’s affected you or what you tink of it.
Some good examples involve heading to an art gallery, visiting a few theatre shows, and enjoying ballet too. Take it at your own pace, and don’t worry about getting high and mighty about every visit, sometimes you just want to visit a loud gig and have fun in that way, which can be art in itself.
Don’t Rush To An Artificial Standard, Just Enjoy One Another
Finally, when it comes to expressing romance in a relationship, it is important to take things slowly. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting to explore the possibilities of romance or you’re in a long-term relationship, as it’s important to be patient and take your time to let love grow. Sure, after a while relationships do start to ask about the next steps, and you don’t want to just lead people along and then “ghost” as is the new term, but it’s very easy to feel like a particular standard should apply to you when really, you might just be having the time of your life with someone, and want to make sure you’re ready before getting together. Talk through your needs with your partner to how they feel, too.
Remember fun is the name of the game, so don’t be afraid to have it. Relationships, if they’re happy and successful, can soon become filled with responsibility and mutual burden, be that marriage, looking after children, or planning your way through financial obligation, but throughout that all it’s good to sustain your romantic appeal, and to have fun with it. Over time, you’d be astonished at how the fires can keep burning, even if it seems like the modern standard of romance is being altered by online obligation.
With this advice, we hope you can get more out of your romantic endeavors.
