When it comes to romance, guys might seem pretty clueless. It’s not exactly your fault, though — you’ve been trained by all those chick flicks that the only things that matter are grand gestures like expensive dinners, romantic getaways, and busting into your office with 10 dozen roses. Those are all nice, but the gestures women really appreciate are actually much simpler. We all just want something that makes us feel special. It’s not any more complicated than that, we promise.
1. Let us know you’re thinking about us.
Yes, we know you’re busy, but it’s nice to know you’re thinking about us while you’re at work or out with your friends. Sending a quick text to tell us you love us or miss us, or even leaving a note behind for us to find is sweet and shows we’re at the top of your thoughts.
2. Clean up sometimes — without being asked.
We really do think it’s romantic and hot when a guy cleans the house or washes the dishes. Doing some of the more traditional female chores sometimes is nice. It’s especially good on special occasions or after we’ve had a stressful day.
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4. Take care of us.
I’m not saying you have to do everything for us – women are capable of taking care of themselves. But bringing us medicine and covering us when we’re sick or lifting the heavy bag of trash so we don’t have to is incredibly sweet.
5. Introduce us to family and friends.
It might sound too simple, but it means a lot to women when you’re happy to introduce us to your family and friends. It makes us feel like we’re truly a part of your life.
6. Surprise us now and then.
A random gift, travel plans, or a creative date idea break up the monotony. Surprising us shows you still want to impress us. It also shows us you’re thinking about us and wanted to do something special just for us.
7. Have real conversations with us.
Those single-word answers get old after a while. Sitting down and listening to us and actually responding with your own thoughts is incredibly romantic. Women love guys who can talk to them for hours about any and everything. Besides, it’s a great way to learn more about each other.
8. Hold us without wanting to make love.
Guys are great at ruining romantic moments by thinking they should just skip to making love. Love-making is great, but sometimes we’re just not in the mood. Holding us close for no reason is romantic. Letting us snuggle in your arms with no obligation to make love is truly romantic.
9. Make us something by hand.
Remember the days of mix tapes? Okay, so the younger guys out there probably don’t, but they were sweet ways to show a woman you were thinking about her. Skip buying us a gift and make us something instead. A book of romantic coupons, a mix CD of songs that are special to the both of you or even buying a personalized gift are all great romantic ideas.
10. Cook us a delicious meal.
There’s something insanely hot and romantic about a guy cooking dinner for his woman. It all goes back to that whole “taking care of us” thing. Prepare our favorite meal and have it ready when we get home or have us soak in a bubble bath while you prepare dinner in bed.
11. Go out with our friends.
It might not be your favorite thing, but it means a lot to us for you to occasionally go out on a double date with our friends or even just have a game night with some of them. Our smiles will make it all worth it, promise.
12. Try something we enjoy.
We love going for runs, but you’d rather watch TV? Give it a try sometime. You don’t have to commit to our hobbies or interests, but trying them once in a while is romantic. It allows us to share something we love with you. Making the effort is all that matters.
13. Spend quality time alone together.
When we’re both always pulled in different directions, quality time alone is all we really want. It’s one of the simplest types of romance women want. We enjoy you setting aside an hour or two to snuggle on the couch or star gaze in the backyard with just the two of us.
14. Show a little affection from time to time.
Just like with holding us, a kiss doesn’t always have to mean making love. Walking up behind us and giving us a random kiss while we’re cooking or talking on the phone will melt our hearts. Those random short and sweet kisses are romantic and are an easy way to say you love us and just couldn’t go another minute without letting us know.
15. Give us a massage.
Massages are always romantic when they’re given by your significant other. Tell us to lie down and relax, and when we’re settled, put on some soft music and massage away all our stress. Curl up with us on the bed when you’re done and let us fall asleep. Trust me, we’ll love it.
16. Offer emotional support.
Listening to our hopes and dreams and being supportive of them is extremely romantic. We all need someone who supports us emotionally. Being there when we need to cry and then boosting us up means everything. It might not sound romantic, but it proves you care and makes us love you even more.
Some of these might not sound like the type of romance you’re used to seeing in movies, but they’re what women think of as romance. Sometimes it’s the simple things that mean the most.
