Romance Awareness Month

When people hear the word “romance” they might tend to run for the hills. Being romantic can be difficult for some, and for others perhaps they have too much in the way of expectations as to what “romance” really means.

History of Romance Awareness Month

Romance Awareness Month isn’t meant to scare anyone away! It’s meant to bring attention to the idea that couples often need to be intentional about being romantic with one another in order to keep the flame burning.

As the warm summer season comes to an end and the autumn schedule begins to gear up, this is a great time for couples to try adding a little spark to their relationship. Plus, it’s been six months since Valentine’s Day, so it’s time to remember again!

Whether a couple has been together for 5 years or 50 years, or is just getting to know each other, it’s vital to make sure each partner feels swept off their feet at least sometimes.

One study conducted in Australia through eharmony.com revealed that 96% of people believe that romance is an important part of a relationship–and 53% of people think that a relationship won’t work without romance. However, only 30% believe in finding the type of romance that’s in the movies, so at least there’s a large contingency who are being somewhat realistic, even when it comes to romance. (https://prwire.com.au/pr/61562/eharmony-romance-awareness-month-research )

So, with that in mind, it’s time to get started celebrating Romance Awareness Month!

How to Celebrate Romance Awareness Month

Celebrating Romance Awareness Month might include grand gestures, but it’s just as important to include the simple things to let that significant other know that they are loved! Try these ideas for celebrating Romance Awareness Month:

Read a Romance Novel

Those who don’t currently have a partner to woo can still get in the spirit of the month by enjoying some literature that was written in the romance novel genre. Try these super romantic stories to get started:

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Join Elizabeth Bennett in her love/hate relationship with Mr. Darcy in this classic English tale that is so filled with romance, it almost hurts.
• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. War and the threat of poverty loom as Scarlett O’Hara is at risk of losing everything when Rhett Butler provides a way of rescue that tests everything.
• The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. A passionate and sweet tale that covers the lives of two star-crossed lovers in a beautiful example of the love of a lifetime.
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Featuring a time-travelling woman who jumps from post WWII Britain to 1700s Scotland just ahead of the Jacobite risings where she falls in love with a solider, this tale of love, pain and romance spans time and space.

Learn About the Benefits of Romance

Some people think romance is nice when it happens, but many people don’t realize that romance can actually be good for them! While there’s no science that indicates that fresh, new romance can be beneficial, a longer-term love has been shown to actually make people physically healthier in addition to being happier.

Evidence shows that people who participate in mutually satisfying, long-term relationships enjoy a variety of benefits to their health, including:

• Less Depression/Anxiety and Fewer Instances of Substance Abuse
• Fewer Visits to Doctors and Fewer Colds
• Lower Blood Pressure and Better Management of Stress
• Faster Healing from Illness and Longer Life Span

Watch a Romantic Movie

If there isn’t time for reading a complete novel but a story needs to be told, try watching a romantic movie. Actually, watching a movie with that significant other is a great way to remind each other why you fell in love in the first place! Try out these ideas for romantic movies to watch:

• Casablanca (1942). A beautiful story about love in a time of crisis, Casablanca is set during WWII and takes place mostly in a cafe in Morocco. Humphry Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s roles are unbeatable in this love story rife with pain.
• When Harry Met Sally (1989). Can romance be created after years of friendship? This romantic comedy film starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal will give the answer, along with tons of laughter.
• Love Jones (1997). A young artistic Chicago couple find an instant connection when they meet at a nightclub. But complications ensue and making it work is harder than expected. Starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long.
• Titanic (1997). An epic drama centered around a couple from two decidedly different backgrounds whose love is likely doomed from the beginning. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Try Some Simple Ways to Create Romance

It doesn’t have to be about extravagant gifts or expensive meals, flowers or chocolate. It doesn’t have to mean taking a second honeymoon or a romantic cruise (although it could!) In fact, engaging in the simplest of things on a daily basis can foster a healthy relationship. Why not try one of these simple thing habits to get the romance flowing?

1. Go to bed at the same time
2. Cultivate common interests
3. Walk hand in hand or side by side
4. Make trust and forgiveness a default mode
5. Focus more on what your partner does right vs. what they do wrong
6. Hug each other every day after work
7. Say “I love you” or “Have a Good Day” every morning
8. Say “Good Night” every night, regardless of the circumstances
9. Do a “weather” check during the day (Check in with each other)
10. Be proud to be seen with your partner

But the list doesn’t stop there, what are some other creative ways to be romantic for your significant other?