7 (Unsexy) But Very Romantic Gestures
By: Gigi Love
Tags: Dating Tips, Love, Relationships, Love And Sex, Dating

You don’t need to kiss in the rain. You don’t need to organize a flash mob proposal. You don’t even need to run dramatically through an airport to confess your love.

Contrary to popular belief, real love is not like a romantic comedy.

I know… I took it hard, too.

As someone in a serious relationship, I’ve figured out that some of the most romantic gestures are the least sexy of them all.

Now… don’t get me wrong. These may lead to sex — and have for me a number of times — but you’re not going to find them in the newest Reese Witherspoon movie.

Here’s how to get hella romantic in unsexy ways.

Do a household chore that your partner hates.

Personally, I think they should add this one to the list of love languages.

If you’re a regular reader, you know that I am kind of a messy person. After a long day of work, the last thing that I want to do is fold laundry. Or clean the bathroom.

My boyfriend knows this and will often pick up the slack for me.

Here are a few examples of chores my boyfriend does that you can steal:

As I type, he’s currently trying to fix a light fixture.

Every couple of weeks, he does a deep clean while I read in the bathtub with a glass of wine.

He changes the lightbulbs because I have a strange fear of ladders.

I know what you’re thinking… yes, he is the perfect man. Why do you think I need to stay anonymous?

To sum up: do something around the house that your partner doesn’t like to do or just doesn’t feel like learning how to do.

Do something without asking, like throw their clothes in the laundry.

Do you know what’s awesome? When you don’t have to ask someone repeatedly to do something. Also, when your partner does something they know that you want or need to be done.

For example, my boyfriend went fishing this weekend and I cleaned the house pretty thoroughly while he was gone. I did some of his laundry, too. I did it because I love him and I didn’t want him to start the week feeling off-balance.

Do something loving for your person without them needing to ask.

Want some ideas? I’ve got them for you, of course:

Fill up your partner’s car when it’s empty.

Throw your partner’s clothes in the laundry.

Make them coffee in the morning.

Make them food, or bring the food to them.

Is there any better way to show someone you love them than food? (And sex.) (Sometimes both at the same time.)

My boyfriend and I have become really good at providing food for each other. I’m usually the one that cooks dinner, and he likes to make breakfast.

I especially love when he asks if I want him to pick up anything on his way home.

Keeping your partner from starving is just really nice.

Here are a few ideas for you:

Call them on the way home from work and ask if they want dinner from their favorite restaurant.

Buy groceries and plan out your dinners together.

If work is running late, offer to heat up dinner for them when they get home.

Send them a random “I love you” text.

I guess this one is a little sexy, but it all depends on what emojis you’re using.

When I’m working, I’ll occasionally get a text from my boyfriend that says, “I love you.” Straight to the point. Simple. Super romantic.

Your partner just wants to know that you love them and you’re thinking of them.

Sending a text in the middle of the workday is a great, easy way to show you care.

Here are some texts you can steal from me:

“Hey babe, how’s your day going?”

“I love you!”

“Can’t wait to see you tonight.”

Buy them something inexpensive but thoughtful.

You don’t always need to buy diamond earrings. I mean, sometimes but not always.

The best gifts I’ve gotten have cost very little, but meant a lot:

The time he bought me tampons when I was out.

The time he bought a bottle of wine for my mom.

The time he bought my favorite movie so that we could watch it together.

It’s true what they say. It’s the thought that counts.

Watch their favorite show or movie with them even if you don’t like it.

My boyfriend loves scary movies and I hate them. I love romantic comedies and he tolerates them.

Loving someone means sharing your life with them and engaging in their interests.

I’ve pretended to watch scary movies with him a number of times. Yes, I’m covering my eyes and humming to myself during the scary music parts, but I’m trying.

I do it because I love how excited he gets to show me these scary, nightmare-inducing movies that he loves. And he returns the favor by listening to me give the behind-the-scenes scoop on You’ve Got Mail.

Hold them until they fall asleep.

Okay, this is slightly sexy, too.

When my boyfriend and I get into bed at night, I curl up into his warm arms and fall asleep to the rise and fall of his chest.

He doesn’t fall asleep right away, but he holds me for as long as I need.

There’s something really romantic about being able to trust someone enough to fall asleep in their arms. Especially while they’re still awake watching YouTube on their phone.

My boyfriend is a great holder. When a loved one died, he held me. When I just need to feel loved, he holds me. And he doesn’t pull away.

Are you inspired now?

So, did I do it? Did I give you amazing ideas on how to show love in somewhat unsexy ways? Good.

What it boils down to is thinking about your partner and what they need or would like.

That’s what day-to-day love looks like.

It’s not always going to be When Harry Met Sally. Sometimes, it’s even better.