I’m Not A Typical Romantic — If You Want to Make Me Melt, Do These Things

Don’t get me wrong — I love sparkly and colorful gifts just as much as the next girl, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things that come with a happy, healthy relationship. You don’t need to make grand gestures to win me over — I’m happy with even these smaller (and cheaper) tokens of romance:

1. When you send me a good morning text I love knowing that I was the first person you wanted to talk to. It’s amazing how a simple, but sweet message on my phone can make my whole day.
2. When you remember the little things. Sure, you know where I work and went to school, but can you tell me my favorite ice cream flavor? Remembering the little things about me tells me that you’re listening and you care.
3. When you actually want to know about my day. Instead of being happy with the generic, “it was good,” answer, you want to know about the highs and lows. You ask me about specific things and show that you’re genuinely interested.
4. When you take the time to get to get to know my friends. If I call someone my close friend, you should know that I consider them family. They’ve been there for me through my highs and lows, so I want you to be close with them, too.
5. When you hang out with my family. It’s romantic to me when a guy can get along with my family… especially considering how insane they can be. My family means the world to me, so knowing that you can get along with them (or at least tolerate them) makes my heart happy.
6. When you run your fingers through my hair. Who can resist a little scalp massage? Little touches here and there make me feel safe.
7. When you’re on time. When you’re on time, it shows that you care about me and our plans. A little respect goes a long way.
8. When you bring me my favorite beer. You can’t drink flowers, right? Little surprises like bringing home my favorite beer or take out says that you’re thinking of me.
9. When you let me vent. Sometimes, a girl just needs to vent, and when I can get it all out without worrying about judgment, it makes it even better. Providing the occasional shoulder to cry on is a small gesture that means a whole lot.
10. When you call me on your lunch break. I know we’re both busy; we’ve got careers and lives outside of our relationship. That makes it all the more romantic knowing that you want to talk whenever you’ve got a free moment.
11. When you give me your jacket. I know, I know — I should have brought my own. But you’ll give it to me anyway, right? It’s sweet to see you sacrifice a little bit for me, and I’ll eventually find a way to return the favor.
12. When you send me a random ‘I love you’ text. Even though they don’t take much effort, those little texts always make me smile. It’s just nice to know that the person you love thinks about you enough to send an adorable message your way.
13. When you show me off to your friends. You know a guy really likes you when he wants to bring you around his friends. When you invite me to hang out with you and your boys, it makes me feel like you’re proud to have me around.
14. When you kiss my forehead.  I don’t think there is anything that makes my heart melt more than a forehead kiss. Even that little gesture will get my heart racing.
15. When you slow dance with me. It can be in our kitchen on a tuesday night or at a wedding on a dance floor, I don’t care. Slow dancing with you makes me fall in love all over again.
16. When you talk about the future. I like to know that you plan on sticking around. When you say things that refer to our future together, I’m reassured of your commitment.