Corona may have ignited the next baby boom because dating in the midst of a
pandemic did not slow down. Dating apps and social media have changed the way love looks, but romance is still alive and ticking. In many ways, technology has given you more opportunities to let your partner know how much you value them.
If you’re thinking but, Tracey I’m single. Well, girl me too but, here’s what I’m learning. Start by clarifying your criteria. Overcoming a fear of love requires taking risks, but you can make your odds more favorable. Knowing what you want in a romantic relationship will help you to make rational decisions and choose compatible partners.
Then you have to open up. Close connections are based on communication. Allow
yourself to be vulnerable. Move conversations to a deeper level. Talk about your
thoughts and feelings.
When the opportunity arises, consider these ideas for connecting with your partner online and off. Today, you can enjoy the convenience of digital communications and rediscover the beauty of more traditional dating methods.
5 Ways to Connect in a digital age
Girl, put that technology to work to deepen your relationship. Wi-fi makes it fast and
easy to stay in touch even when your busy schedules keep you apart.
Tips using technology:
1. Send a card. Remember email cards? Email cards are free, so you don’t need to
wait for birthdays and holidays. Plus, you can customize digital cards with your
own images and text so the message will be more meaningful.
2. Listen to music. Put together a playlist of songs you both love and download it
to your phones. You can imagine dancing together whenever you hear those
tunes.
3. Play games. This is a win, win, win. Studies show that video games can make
you happier, healthier, and sharpen your cognitive skills. Enjoy the benefits
together with a few rounds of Super Mario or HQ Trivia.
4. Research activities. We won’t be quarantined forever. Browse for ideas about
your next vacation, workout programs, or home improvement projects. Focusing
on your future will draw you closer together.
5. Agree on boundaries. Keep in mind that happy couples actually post about their
relationship less often than average. Ask your partner for approval before you
post photos and personal information and avoid oversharing. Negotiate a
schedule that keeps you both updated without feeling overwhelmed.
A few offline ways to be romantic
Of course, you want to be in the same room sometimes and like I said- quarantine won’t last always. Just like you’d probably propose marriage only when you’re face to face, some interactions benefit from a more personal touch.
Consider these ideas:
1. Write a letter. Handwritten messages make a deeper impression than
emails. Pick up a pen and put your feelings down on paper. Hand deliver it to
your partner or put it someplace where they’re sure to find it. Bonus, this gesture
is great for kids too.
2. Buy flowers. Quite easily a girls other best friend. Call your local florist to
arrange a bouquet for your partner. Choose their favorite flowers or ask for
recommendations based on their personality or the season.
3. Dress up. Do you live in sweatpants or leggings these days because you’re not
at the office? Surprise your partner by putting on slacks or a dress just
because.
4. Plan a date. Go a step beyond just hanging out. Be intentional and make dinner
reservations at a cozy restaurant or pick-up theater tickets for the next evening
you both have free. Remember to book a babysitter too if you have children.
5. Cook dinner. For an evening at home, volunteer to do the cooking or share the
work. Try a new recipe or prepare something that brings back happy memories of
past vacations or someplace you’d like to go.
6. Read poetry together. Ok, so poetry may not come naturally but don’t overthink
it. The gesture and connection over laughs even if its corny will be memorable. If
writing your own poetry sounds a little too intimidating, start out by reading
selections from other great writers. Ask your friends or go for the gusto and ask
Amber Gordon for suggestions. You may be inspired to create your own sonnets
soon.
7. Take a walk. Motivate each other to get more exercise. Go for a walk each
evening after dinner or sign up for a couples or family membership at a nearby
gym.
8. Help with the housework. If acts of service is your partners love language,
pitching in with household responsibilities is a practical way to express your
affection and appreciation. Volunteer for the chores you excel at, or take turns
cleaning the bathroom.
So there you have it, you can romance your partner even if you’re more likely to
exchange texts and tweets rather than love letters and lockets. Caring gestures are a
fun and effective way to strengthen your relationship. But even when you are in a relationship, remember to always DateYourselfGirl!