How to Be Romantic Every Day of the Year

Keep your love alive (and chocolate on hand) all year long.

Valentine’s day is only 24 hours, once a year – so how do you keep growing a stronger relationship year round? It does take some work and it’s not always easy especially when you are tired and had a busy day. But imagine a relationship where real connection, chocolate, and love notes are everyday things, not the exception. Small things matter, and it is always a good investment in your relationship. If you both work hard to implement these tips… the love will surely grow.

Here are the top 15 ways to keep your love alive and build a stronger relationship even after Valentine’s Day has come and gone:

We would love to hear other great ideas so jot them in the comments section below….let’s all try to think of new ways how to be romantic this year!!

• Don’t pet your dog first – How many times do you walk in the house and your dog gets a kiss and a cuddle before your spouse does? Be sure to greet your loved one first, before the kids, before the dog or before you get a snack. Small things matter, including showing your significant other that they’re really the most important person, two-legged or four, in your life.
• Get rid of the mess – who likes to come home to a messy home? No one! Taking a few extra minutes to make things nice and tidy for your spouse. Doing this oozes with “I am ready for you to be home”. And these kinds of daily romantic gestures work equally well for him or for her.
• Flowers aren’t just for special occasions – Not everyone loves flowers but most do and we don’t know a guy who wouldn’t love a balloon bouquet with a love note attached! Everyday can be Valentine’s Day if you add small, romantic gifts into the mix.
• Surprise, Surprise – Keep the element of surprise alive. A new place for dinner, a surprise camping trip, a room cleaned out, a garage newly organized, taking the kids for an hour or two of “free time”, a back massage. Keep the love alive in your relationship with the element of surprise.

• Consistent date nights – We can not express enough how important this is. Once a week – that’s right, keep it consistent. (Or as consistent as you can.) Your kids need to see your love grow and the only way for love to grow is if you spend time together. Believe it or not it makes your kids feel safe, knowing that mom and dad love to spend time together!!
• Love notes – Make it a goal to send each other at least 1 love note a week. Either through a text, note on the mirror or letter on their steering wheel. Try a theme to the notes like, “52 wonderful memories I have with you”, or “52 reasons I love you”!
• Invest in a stronger relationship – Don’t let this year go by without going to a marriage seminar, class, or retreat. These programs are designed to bring you closer together.
• Get a Ph.D. on your spouse – Make it a goal to learn everything there is to know about your spouse. Be inquisitive. Know their love languages, their favorite color, their favorite candy and of course their 2 Money Personalities. (click HERE for access to our FREE scientific & confidential online Money Personality Assessment).
• No more “yes dear” – If you want to keep your love alive, don’t pacify or patronize your spouse. It isn’t nice and it doesn’t help to maintain your marriage bond. If you don’t understand where your spouse is coming from – ask questions. If you can’t finish a job for your spouse then tell him/her you can’t and when you do plan to finish it.
• Defend each other – We all need to know our spouse “has our back”. Defend with love and honor, even when they’re not around to hear it.
• Brag about your spouse – Once a week, either to a friend or colleague, be sure to brag about your spouse. It will usually come back to your spouse and boy does that feel good!
• Refuse comparisons – The grass is always greener on the other side – another person may have shinier hair, or longer legs or a thinner waistline. Make a conscious decision not to compare. You found the love of your life, don’t forget it.
• Great eye contact – Nothing says: “I care” more then great eye contact. Nothing says: “You don’t matter” more then wandering eyes. When your spouse speaks, listen, and give the gift of great eye contact.
• Start and end each day holding hands – Ahhhh, how sweet is that? Be one of those couples that you see who really love each other after 50 years of marriage – take each others hands and say, “I love you” or “thank you for doing the dishes” or, if appropriate,….hold hands and pray together.
• Don’t raise your voice – Who likes to be yelled at? No one. Just don’t do it. The dog doesn’t like it, and neither does your partner. Shelve the shouting.

We all have some work to do to build a stronger relationship, every day of the year. Remember that small things matter: you never know how much an apparently trivial gesture can mean to your spouse.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day, all year long.

Originally appeared in Your Tango