Need a little help redefining romance?

Here are nineteen simple low cost ideas for creating a little romance in your life:

#1

Not coordinated enough? Try the teeter-totter. Or merry-go-round. (Oh, wait! I’m showing my age.) How about hide and seek? Run. Chase. Grab hold of one another and hold on tight. Find secret places to share a kiss. Whisper sweet nothings. Let the world and all it’s worries slip away.

#2

A language. An art. The other person’s favorite song. Share your personal knowledge or find an expert and learn together. Most everything is more fun together.

#3

When was the last time you laughed until your sides hurt? What makes your loved one laugh? Do you know?

Need some ideas? Watch a comedy you both know too well, and quote the lines with the actors.

Play the alphabet song game—where you have to sing a line from a song for every letter of the alphabet.

Or find a great romance and dramatically read the lines to one another.

#4

Share your thoughts, your worries, or aspirations with each other and with God. Hold hands. Kneel. Sing praises to the Lamb. Worship Him who created you to love and rejoice in the love he has given you.

#5

I know. Most people go for sunsets, but how many sunrises have you seen together? Grab the fluffiest blanket you own, snuggle up on the tailgate, or in the front seat of your car, or on a wooden bench overlooking the sea. Lean on the rail of an old wooden fence. Wait for it. Watch. See. Breathe.

#6

Never painted? Check out a paint night. Eaten sushi? Chopsticks and wasabi. What about Snowshoeing? Cross country skiing? Ice Skating? Bundle up and cuddle up.

#7

Find a stream. Watch the ocean. Hike a waterfall. Swim in a hot springs. Go fishing. A good old fashioned bucket of worms and a pristine mountain lake can be good for the soul.

#8

Just talk. And listen. Take turns. Dream big. Ask what if? If only? And how come? Really listen to the other person, and understand what his/her heart is seeking. What is their deepest desires?

#9

Feel the warmth of the other person’s skin. The rough spots and smooth. The shape of his/her fingers. Focus on the connection of being close to one another, sharing intimacy. Friendship. Love.

#10

Is there a soup kitchen? A food pantry? A community shelter? Senior center? Single mother in your church? A lonely elder? Commit to helping others, supporting and encouraging others, together. Whether it’s one day, or one day a month. Serving others is a true Biblical expression of love.

#11

Many communities have an animal rescue which needs volunteers to walk dogs, or pet cats. Or if you have the resources, find out what the rescue needs and go on a little shopping spree. Dog or cat food. Fluffy beds. Cleaning supplies. There’s a good chance you’ll make it big on their social media page for the day for being a fur-tastic donor!

#12

To each other. To your children. To your parents. To Grandparents. A special someone in your church. Show love, by encouraging and being the light of love to others.

#13

Make a vision board. Post affirmations, favorite pictures, inspirational words, quotes, and thoughts that represent your love. Include goals for the future, celebrations of what you’ve shared so far, and encouragement for the season you are in.

#14

Maybe this means no kids about. Or no technology. Or getting out of town. What is it that distracts you? Keeps you from looking into your partner’s eyes? Focus on your loved one for a whole hour, a whole afternoon, a whole day…or if you’re really industrious? A whole weekend!

#15

Love is meant to be shared. A connection of hearts. Maybe this means family game night. An afternoon sledding with the kids. Or a sit-down meal prepared by everyone, together. The important thing is connecting, sharing and loving one another.

#16

Drive until you’re not sure where you are and find your way home—the long way. Play games along the way. Talk. Sing songs. Be quiet.

#17

Ride bikes. Ride horses. Hike. Picnic. Sit. Spend some time in the woods, on the high desert, or on a trail. Get fresh air and exercise. Experience God’s creation together.

#18

Go to an art museum with her. Explore a Science museum with him. Ride motorcycles. Target shoot. Go shopping. If the other person loves it, and you love him/her, spend a little time doing what they love.

#19

Visit a library or bookstore. Make a photo collage of book titles that tell your love story. Make sure you include some selfies for posterity.

Don’t let other people, and certainly not the world, define love and romance for you. God created us for relationship. Let Him be the author of your romance.

What is the most unusually romantic thing you have ever done?