Tinder. Bumble. Plenty of Fish. Facebook. Instagram. Snapchat. All have changed the way love looks- especially Snapchat. (I saw what you sent, David, and no judgment, but some things are better left unseen). However, romance is still alive. Technology simply gives you more opportunities to let your partner know how much you appreciate them. To "woo" them on the Web, if you will. You can enjoy the convenience of new-fangled digital communications while rediscovering the delights of those old-fangled courtship methods. Ready to get yourselves a-wooin'? Consider these ideas for connecting with your partner online and off. Sharing Romantic Gestures Online Put technology to work to deepen your relationship. It's fast and easy to stay in touch even when your busy schedules keep you apart. Use technology for these techniques: 1. Send an e-Card. Most e-Cards are free, so you don't need to wait for anniversaries, holidays, or for your partner's beloved pet iguana to give birth. Plus, you can customize digital cards with your own images and text so the message will be more meaningful. 2. Listen to music. Put together a playlist of songs you both love. Download it to both of your phones or share it on a service you both have. Imagine dancing together whenever you hear those tunes. Whether you're dancing vertically or horizontally is up to you. 3. Play games. Regardless of what your dad told you, studies show that video games can make you happier, healthier, and sharpen your cognitive skills. Enjoy the benefits together with a few rounds of Super Mario or HQ Trivia. 4. Research activities. Browse for ideas about your next vacation, workout programs, or home improvement projects. Focusing on your future will draw you closer together. 5. Agree on boundaries. It's great to want to shout "I LOVE MY PARTNER!!!" to the world. However, happy couples actually post about their relationship less often than average. Ask your partner for approval before you post photos (particularly those photos, David) and personal information. Avoid oversharing. Negotiate a schedule that keeps you both updated without feeling overwhelmed.
Sharing Romantic Gestures Offline Of course, you want to be in the same room for certain conversations. Just like you'd probably propose marriage only when you're face to face- drunken texts like "I wanna be your forever booty-humper" just don't seem to cut it- some interactions benefit from a more personal touch. Consider these ideas: 1. Write a letter. Yes, you'll have to find a pen and paper. Or a crayon and a brown paper bag. Or blood, but only if you've been tested recently. Handwritten messages make a deeper impression than emails. Write out those emotions. Transcribe your heart. Hand deliver it to your partner or put it someplace where they're sure to find it. 2. Buy flowers. Sure, you can call your local florist to arrange a bouquet for your partner. They can give great recommendations based on their personality or the season. You can also simply grab some at the grocery store or even buy them from that guy at the intersection who always has a cigar in his mouth but never seems to smoke it. 3. Dress up. Do you live in sweatpants when you're not at the office? Do you even bother with pants? Surprise your partner by putting on a tie and jacket or a dress. Or pants. 4. Plan a date. Go a step beyond just hanging out. Make dinner reservations at a cozy restaurant or pick up theater tickets for the next evening you both have free. Remember to book a babysitter too if you have children. 5. Cook dinner. For an evening at home, volunteer to do the cooking or share the work. Try a new recipe or prepare something that brings back happy memories of past vacations or memorable dates. 6. Read poetry together. Start out by reading selections from great writers. Try Pablo Neruda. Lord Byron. ee cummings. Ask your friends or a librarian for suggestions. You may be inspired to create your own sonnets soon. Here's a start: "Violets are blue; roses are red; I'll give you a backrub if you give me ____" 7. Take a walk. Motivate each other to get more exercise. Go for a walk each evening after dinner or sign up for a shared membership at a nearby gym. 8. Help with the housework. Ain't nothing sexier than a partner who actually cleans behind the couch, right ladies? Pitching in with household responsibilities is a practical way to express your affection and appreciation. It likely will never be a 50-50 split. So, make a list, decide what's fair and surprise your partner from time-to-time by volunteering to take one of their chores. You can romance your partner even if you're more likely to exchange texts and tweets rather than love letters and lockets. Give these caring gestures a shot. They are a fun and effective way to strengthen your relationship. Consider your partner successfully be-wooed.
