Romance is the key to any lasting relationship. Not only can romantic gestures keep your girlfriend happy, but they can also be what makes her fall completely in love with you.
If you’re wondering how to be romantic with your girlfriend, then you’ll be relieved to know that you don’t have to spend a lot of money or stage a grand gesture to get the job done. For most boyfriends, it’s easy to do small things daily that add up to true romance over time.
Here we’ll give you 26 ideas, tips, and ways you can insert a little extra romance into your relationship that will make you the best boyfriend she’s ever had.
Tell Her You Love Her
Yes, there are lots of creative ideas on how to be romantic with your girlfriend, but none are as easy as simply telling her how you feel. Never assume your girlfriend knows that you adore her, that she lights up your world, or that she’s the best part of your day. Tell her those things, and confess your love whenever you feel it.
The more vocal you are about your feelings, the more likely she’ll be to truly understand how important she is to you. There’s nothing more romantic than that.
Surprise Her
Planning a good surprise takes effort, and girls appreciate that you’re willing to put in the work to do something special for them. The surprise doesn’t need to be extravagant or over the top. Something as simple as a homemade meal, flowers, a card, or a sweet note in an unexpected place is enough to let her know you care.
It’s wonderful to plan surprises around special occasions like her birthday or your anniversary, but don’t forget small “just because” occasions too.
Compliment Her in Thoughtful Ways
Your girlfriend likely already knows you think she’s beautiful, and while she probably likes hearing it, there are other things you can say to compliment her that turn up the romance.
Try telling her how much something she’s done lately has impressed or inspired you, and why. Look in her eyes and tell her some of the things you love most about her and why they matter to you.
Your girlfriend has hopes, dreams, and passions that have nothing to do with her beauty. Tell her how much you love and appreciate those things, and you’ll forever have a special place in her heart.
Gift Experiences
Gifts, whether large or small, are always a welcome way to show you care. One way to turn the romance up a notch is to look for experiences that you can give your girlfriend rather than trinkets.
Does she have a favorite band? An activity like art projects she loves to do? Is she into a local sports team? Has she told you she’s always wanted to go skydiving?
Pay attention to the things on her bucket list and then plan to have those experiences together. Not only will you show her an incredible time, but you’ll also give her a memory that will last forever.
Stop By Her Favorite Coffee Shop
Another little gesture that makes a big difference is the unexpected favorite drink delivery. The next time you go to her favorite coffee, smoothie, or tea shop, or stop by her local juice bar, pay attention to what she orders.
Then surprise her with it again down the road. Bring her favorite drink to her at work, in class, or when you come over to pick her up to show her that you’re observant and want to make her happy.
Put Her Happiness First
It might seem simple, but this is a step that many boyfriends miss along the way. When you’re thinking of how to be romantic with your girlfriend, you’ll first want to think about the things that make her happiest. There’s nothing worse than planning something romantic, but missing the mark because you didn’t take into account her tastes.
For example, if you want to take your girlfriend to the movies, make sure you choose a show she will like. If she hates horror films, then choose another genre that she’ll enjoy so that you have a wonderful date together.
Along those same lines, if she tells you that she hates surprises, be smart if and when you plan them. A surprise note with a sweet message on her bathroom mirror in the morning is much more low key than a surprise party with 50 of her friends.
If you’re not sure how she feels about something, it’s always smart to ask. That way, not only will you know what your gestures will be appreciated, but you can also get to know your girlfriend better in the process.
Find Time for Alone Time
Heading out to fun places and spending time together in public is great when you’re first dating and getting to know each other. Once you’ve established a connection, you’ll want to find ways to spend time in more romantic places where you’re alone (or it feels like you are).
Think of the connection you have when you’re sitting in the middle of a busy restaurant. Now compare that to when you’re in a quiet booth in the back of a romantic spot. Those are the feelings you want to create to capitalize on your quality time.
It could be as simple as taking a stroll to a quiet garden or park, or snuggling up on the couch and watching a movie. Enjoying time with just the two of you will help you develop a deeper connection and have a chance to let your romance blossom.
Remember and Celebrate the Important Dates
All women are different when it comes to days they feel are important, but it’s smart to find out which ones top your girlfriend’s list early on in the relationship. That way, you can set a reminder on your calendar so that you always remember them and celebrate them together.
Occasions like her birthday, Valentine’s Day, and your anniversary are likely at the top of the list. She might also enjoy a sweet reminder of your monthly anniversary, or a day that was somehow special in your relationship. Figure out what those are and plan ahead to make them extra special for her.
Give Her a Hug That Lasts a Full Minute
There are many studies that show that hugging is actually good for your health. Interestingly, after 20 seconds or more of holding an embrace, women release the hormone oxytocin, which makes them feel more relaxed and less anxious. Some scientists believe it’s this same hormone that allows us to form deep, lasting bonds with those we love.
A quick embrace is a great way to show affection but to take the romance up a notch, hug her and hold on tight for as long as it feels natural. She’ll have lots of feel-good hormones in her bloodstream and will look at you with love in her eyes when you finally let go.
Use Romantic Websites to Tell Her How You Feel
Not everyone is comfortable talking about their emotions or professing their love, and not everyone is great with words either. If this sounds like you, there’s good news.
There are lots of websites that compile “I love you” messages, images, GIFs, and memes that can say what you’re feeling for you.
Try sending her a text during the day with a link to one of those sites and a quick message to tell her that you’re thinking about her. Take it up a notch by saying things in your text like:
- Every word on this site makes me think of you.
- It’s like I wrote this message to you.
- This website is reading my mind when it comes to how I feel about you.
Get “Dolled Up” for Her Too
You know that your girlfriend puts time and effort into her appearance when you’re going out together. If you do the same, you can impress her romantically.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been dating for a few weeks, months, or years, taking the time to shower, shave, put on cologne, and pick and outfit you know she’ll love is romantic.
She’ll know that you want to look good for her and care that you impress her.
Capture Moments Together in Photos
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and there’s no better way to freeze a romantic moment in time than by snapping a quick selfie when you’re out on a date.
Not only will affectionate photos make her feel your romantic intentions, but you can also use them later to create personal gifts that she’ll cherish forever. You could create a collage of some of your sweetest moments, favorite trips, or candid shots and order a print to frame.
Consider adding a caption or purchasing a frame and having it engraved with a personal message like “our happiest moments,” or “the best thing in my life” to make it even more sentimental.
You could also use those images to create things like coffee mugs, key chains, throw pillows, or even a snuggly blanket to remind her of your best times together.
Be Proactive as Often as Possible
One of the things that drive girlfriend’s crazy is having to nag their boyfriend to do something that they expect or have requested. This isn’t the same as surprising her with treats, gifts, or acts of kindness. Rather, this is meeting her needs in your relationship without having to be asked repeatedly.
If the expects a “good night” text, for example, be sure to send her a sweet message every evening around the same time so that she knows you care.
These little proactive gestures will help her to see you as someone she can rely on for the long run, and someone she will love forever.
Kiss Her Passionately
It’s normal for the level of passion in your relationship to ebb and flow over time. One way to keep that romance alive is to show her physical affection, specifically by kissing her.
Take the time to gaze lovingly into her eyes, touch her face or hair, hold her close, and kiss her with all your love and emotions. Not only could this turn into a steamy moment, but it shows that you still love and desire her as much as you did early on in your relationship.
Chivalry Isn’t Dead
No matter how strong or independent your girlfriend is, she will still appreciate small chivalrous gestures when you’re together. Don’t think of it as a chore to hold the door for her, help her in or out of your car, or to offer her your jacket if she’s cold.
These actions are not only charming, but they are also a subconscious way that you show her that you want to pamper her and protect her in every situation.
Share a Secret in Public
The best couples have amazing chemistry. The flash each other coy smiles, have inside jokes, and can sometimes be caught whispering to each other when they’re out in public.
Those shared secrets are the foundation of a strong relationship, and you can use them to put a smile on her face that will last for hours if you do it right. If you’re not comfortable with public displays of affection, whispering something sweet in her ear is an easy way to be a bit flirty without being overt.
Here are a few ideas of things you can say to make her blush:
- I have a secret. You’re the most beautiful woman in this room.
- Every guy in here wishes you were his.
- You captivate me.
- I want to know everything about you.
Become Part of Her Daily Rituals
Your girlfriend likely has lots of daily habits and rituals, and you have an opportunity to show her you’re paying attention by helping her with them.
For example, if she always drinks coffee in the morning, you could set her coffee maker the night before to brew it ahead of time. If she always wakes up in the middle of the night and wants a glass of water, you could leave one on her bedside table.
You can also pay attention to her daily habits to find ways you can improve her life. If she consistently forgets to eat breakfast and then complains she’s hungry, start carrying a snack with you that you could share with her to make her day.
Drop Her a Line that Rhymes
There’s a reason ladies love poetry; it’s romantic. You don’t have to be the next Shakespeare to jot down a short poem that tells her how you feel and shows your sentimental side.
Not up to creating something on your own? Handwrite your favorite song lyrics that remind you of her and slip it into her purse or wallet so that she finds it at an unexpected time.
Make Eye Contact When You Show Affection
In every romantic movie ever written, there’s an iconic scene where the two main characters gaze into each other’s eyes, and they just know that their love is forever. You can recreate that magic with your girlfriend.
The next time you’re somewhere memorable, hold her close, look into her eyes, brush her hair out of her face, or rub your nose against hers. Initiate some sweet, intimate contact to have a tender moment that will keep your romance burning strong.
Be Kind to Her Hormones
Every good boyfriend has an idea of when his girlfriend is going through her “time of the month.” She might be irritable, bloated, uncomfortable, and have unpredictable mood swings that make her a bit hard to love.
Chances are, she knows she’s being difficult but can’t always control it because of her hormones. Show your love by being patient, cutting her some slack, and not picking a fight if she’s irritable.
Although this isn’t an obviously romantic gesture, once she realizes that you’re paying attention and going out of your way to being sweet to her when she’s uncomfortable, she’ll never doubt how much you care.
Go Shopping with Her
You both have your favorite activities, and if one of hers is shopping, you have an opportunity to be romantic by offering to go with her. Even if it’s not something you enjoy, your willingness to go with her and be a good sport while you’re out will reassure her that she matters to you.
You can take it up a notch by paying her compliments when she tries on clothes, and tell her when you really love something she’s chosen. This is also a perfect time to pay close attention to the things she likes and doesn’t buy. Keep a mental note so that you know exactly what to buy her for a gift when you need an idea for a birthday or holiday down the road.
Use Traditional Romance Techniques
There’s a reason that things like a bouquet of roses, long walks on the beach, and candlelight dinners are considered romantic. It’s because nearly every woman in the world thinks that they are.
Even if it feels a bit cliche, don’t discount the traditional things you can do to be romantic with your girlfriend. Plan a candlelit evening with a long walk holding hands, and it will be a night you’ll both remember for a long time.
Flirt with Her
Whether you’ve been dating for a week or a year, flirting with your girlfriend is the perfect way to keep your spark going strong. A well-timed compliment about how she looks, thinks, or makes you feel can get her to blush and smile no matter where you are.
Non-verbal flirting (like letting her catch you when she’s walking by and giving her a wink) is another playful way to let her know that you still find her irresistible.
Leave Her Surprise Notes
Carry a stack of sticky notes and a pen with you when you’re together and find creative ways to write her a sweet note and put them somewhere she’ll notice during her day.
Try jotting down a line and putting it inside a book she’s reading, on her refrigerator, her bathroom mirror, or a light switch in her house. As soon as she sees your handwriting, she’ll know you think about her just as much as she thinks about you.
Tag Her on Social
If you want the whole world to know that you’re in love with your girlfriend, don’t be afraid to post about it on social media. Put a picture on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat, tag her and tell her that you’re head over heels for her.
She’ll love the attention of your followers and friends when they tell you what a perfect couple you are.
Cook Her Dinner
There’s an old saying that claims that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and cooking is often something that women are expected to do in relationships. If you really want to impress your girlfriend and turn up the romance, cook her a meal she won’t forget.
It doesn’t need to be fancy, but if you choose a recipe that includes her favorite foods and flavors, she’s sure to love it. If you really want to impress her, offer to clean the kitchen after while she gets to relax.
If she loves your cooking, offer to do it often, and begin to build a ritual when you two have a romantic night at home. Cooking for your girlfriend is the type of romantic gesture that might have her thinking of you more as husband material and help her to realize that your love is forever.
The Takeaway
There are dozens of different ways that you can be the most romantic guy your girlfriend has ever dated. The key to doing it right is to combine both small surprises with large gestures and to do them regularly.
Use these ideas to get you started, and change it up as your relationship continues to grow. Be sure you pay attention to the things she likes the most so that you can reuse the best ones along the way.
If you look for how to be romantic with your girlfriend regularly, you’re sure to have a relationship that will stand the test of time.
