June 7th, 2005

In my teens, my father labelled me a hopeless romantic – But that’s different from being an actual romantic. In many ways I can be a stick in the mud because I’m not a fan of traditional demonstrations. I prefer the things that most people would find to be rather mundane. That said, here’s a list of ten ways I let people know they’re loved…

THIS WEEK: ROMANTIC ACTS FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

1. Making sure their needs are met. That covers a broad range of everyday items, and that’s why I listed it first. In my opinion, nothing “extra” means much if I’m ignoring their basic necessities. I attend to those first, and dilligently. It’s important to set the stage properly.

2. Letting them know they’re on my mind. I can do this with a phone call, a note dropped in the mail, or just by saying something like, “I was thinking about you earlier today.” Telling them I keep them in my heart even when they’re not physically present is important.

3. Doing things with them that they enjoy. Hopefully we find pleasure in some of the same pursuits, but chances are there’s some stuff I don’t enjoy. I’ll take time to participate in those activities, too… Even if it’s only by helping with preparations.

4. Doing things with them that they don’t enjoy. Every chore can be made less burdensome with someone that loves you alongside. Sure, I could be off having fun while you take care of your errands, but tagging along and being helpful means I care.

5. Supporting their personal goals. When someone I love pursues anything to improve themself – whether it’s physically, emotionally, spiritually, or intellectually – I want to be their biggest cheerleader!

6. Being quick to reconcile. Disagreements happen, and sometimes things get ugly. I could sit there and stew, or walk away and hold a grudge – But love means moving beyond pride and pettiness and working cautiously toward an equitable resolution.

7. Working with who they are. Some people try to mold others into an image they prefer. That’s not romantic. I would rather capitalize on what’s good and magnify those things, especially where it concerns areas of self-expression, like the way a person chooses to dress.

8. Making them laugh. I hope to never underestimate the power of laughter. Different people respond to different types of humor. I think it’s important to learn how to tickle a person’s funny bone and then to use that knowledge in choice situations that need a little lightening up.

9. Helping them relax. This is where fancy dinners, bubble baths, foot massages, and all those traditional romantic gestures come into play. Now and then, I think it’s important to help people decompress.

10. Giving them space. It doesn’t sound romantic, but I promise it’s important. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Entry Filed under: Completely Girlie