HOW TO BE ROMANTIC

How to be Romantic - We've all seen the movies: The male protagonist sends a dozen red roses to his delighted love interest. In the next scene, the two of them enjoy a candlelit dinner on a balcony somewhere exotic. After the cut, he's taking her shopping and telling her to pick out whatever she likes. This is, we're told, the epitome of romance.

Everyone has a basic idea of what romance is from films, novels and TV, but often the cliched idea of romance isn't what women want most. What's more, because the idea of romance promoted in our culture is so overwrought and corny, many men think romance is too much trouble to bother with in a relationship, and give up on the concept altogether.

This is the wrong approach. Romance — the genuine kind, not the clichéd type you see on screen — is a crucial glue that helps you maintain the spark in your relationship; reassuring your partner that you're still attracted to her and interested in pleasing her.

For many men, the idea of being more romantic is pretty daunting. So, to help you up your game in the romance department, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to romance, including what actual women find romantic, how romantic gestures and expectations evolve over the course of a relationship and how to go about bringing more romance into your own relationship, including concrete gift ideas in case inspiration is running low!

Install How to be Romantic app now.